I despise hiccups. So much so that I become increasing angrier the longer they stick around. That is why I developed a fool proof plan for getting rid of them. Now sure we all have our tricks; drinking water upside down, holding our breath, having someone scare us but these tricks may work sometimes and not others. The trick that I came up with works now and always will. This isn’t one of those tricks that work once and then never works again, no; my fool proof plan works every time. Here is what you have to do.
Tune in next week to find out how to solve your hiccups.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Acting Profession
Imagine an actor writes a screenplay, casts himself in the show, obtains all props necessary for the show, performs the show five times in one day, critics each performance, and then repeats the entire process the following day with a new show. The audience, however, is actually forced to be there for the entire theatre season and a large majority of them wish that they didn’t have to attend. The audience is required to provide a summary of each performance upon which the actor now critics to insure that the audience members fully understand each performance. Sound like a profession you know? It’s teaching.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Courtroom Teachers
An attorney only working within the courtroom is like a teacher only working within the classroom. Attorneys get paid for everything they do for a client outside the courtroom. Do teachers?
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Rehabilitating Students
Teaching a student who doesn’t want to learn is like trying to rehabilitate an alcoholic who refuses to stop drinking.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Trip to the Moon
I sat perched on my black cushion, legs crossed. My wife, Holly, sat next to me on her own cushion. A few other people sat with us on their own cushions. All of our cushions lay on a hardwood floor. We sat in silent meditation.
Pierce asked us to think about traveling to the moon together. Once at the moon we realize that our transportation back to Earth doesn’t exist. Pierce asked, “What will you miss?” and he left us to ponder for a few moments.
The first thought that came to mind was nothing. I made the quick assumption that since Holly was sitting next to me that she too would be trapped on the moon with me.
I was satisfied with my answer but I continued to think about being trapped. I thought about my parents and brother. I simply wanted to tell them that I loved them and I wanted them to take good care of my fish and tortoise.
After thinking for a few more minutes I came up with one material possession that I would miss, my laptop computer. The only reason why I missed it was because of all of the stories and ideas I had ingrained into the hard drive. In my mind I asked my parents to try and get my works published. I didn’t miss anything else. What would it matter if I had material processions back on earth, I was never going to make it back there anyway.
After we all pondered for awhile, Pierce added to our visualization that now we had figured out a way to get back home. He asked the question, “How do you feel about planet earth now?”
I thought about how I should live my life like it’s my last day on earth. I shouldn’t be afraid to take risks. I shouldn’t have any regrets and I was reminded that a friend of mine once said, “It seemed like a good idea at the time,” when asked about having any regrets.
It felt wonderful to be reminded again about what is important in life and how to live life in the moment.
Pierce asked us to think about traveling to the moon together. Once at the moon we realize that our transportation back to Earth doesn’t exist. Pierce asked, “What will you miss?” and he left us to ponder for a few moments.
The first thought that came to mind was nothing. I made the quick assumption that since Holly was sitting next to me that she too would be trapped on the moon with me.
I was satisfied with my answer but I continued to think about being trapped. I thought about my parents and brother. I simply wanted to tell them that I loved them and I wanted them to take good care of my fish and tortoise.
After thinking for a few more minutes I came up with one material possession that I would miss, my laptop computer. The only reason why I missed it was because of all of the stories and ideas I had ingrained into the hard drive. In my mind I asked my parents to try and get my works published. I didn’t miss anything else. What would it matter if I had material processions back on earth, I was never going to make it back there anyway.
After we all pondered for awhile, Pierce added to our visualization that now we had figured out a way to get back home. He asked the question, “How do you feel about planet earth now?”
I thought about how I should live my life like it’s my last day on earth. I shouldn’t be afraid to take risks. I shouldn’t have any regrets and I was reminded that a friend of mine once said, “It seemed like a good idea at the time,” when asked about having any regrets.
It felt wonderful to be reminded again about what is important in life and how to live life in the moment.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Salted Love
How many of us have ever liked someone? I mean really liked someone. I think it is pretty safe to say that most of us have liked someone at some point in our lives. Well, this story is about two teenagers who really like each other and their names are Sodium and Chlorine. For those of you who haven’t heard these names before Sodium is a boy and Chlorine is a girl. Sodium and Chlorine are in high school and they’re both on the swim team. Sodium and Chlorine are both extremely passionate about swimming. The two of them are constantly at the pool working on improving their skills. The two of them are so dedicated that both have become key members of swim team. Sodium is the star freestyle swimmer and Chlorine is the star diver.
Sodium and Chlorine really like each other but… well like any relationship there obstacles to overcome. Think about it, was there ever a little something about a person that you liked that bothered you? Maybe the person has a weird laugh or they never let you finish a sentence. I’m sure that’s true for most of us. You see, Sodium has this little, tiny problem with Chlorine. Now think about it, where is Chlorine used? We all know that chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools. Well, anytime Chlorine gets to close to anyone she tends to kill them with her poisonous gas…a minor problem for Sodium. Needless to say Sodium is a little nervous about getting too close to Chlorine.
Chlorine on the other hand, is a little nervous about Sodium. What do we know about Sodium? Sodium is a metal that reacts violently with water, so anytime he gets into the pool he burns everything around him. Let’s just say whenever he’s competing against someone from another team, he always burns the competition. Well the two of them decide that they really, really like each other so much that they are going to try and put aside their differences.
Of course no relationship comes without its share of ups and downs. Typically after practice Sodium would walk Chlorine home. They walked hand in hand all the way to Chlorine’s house. Walking home, Sodium was so choked up he could barely breath. Only after Chlorine entered her house would Sodium suddenly feel better. Sodium thought it was because he really liked her. He didn’t realize that he was getting choked up because of her poisonous gases.
Then came the day of their first kiss, which was unlike any other first kiss. One day after walking Chlorine to her house, despite being choked up, Sodium leaned in for a kiss. The moisture on Chlorine’s lips caused Sodium to react and Chlorine felt a sharp burning sensation on her lips. Chlorine slapped him and stormed off.
The next day at practice Sodium apologized profusely to Chlorine. He said that he hadn’t intended to hurt her. Chlorine knew that he didn’t mean it and she quickly forgave him. She learned to keep her lips dry so she wouldn’t get burned so easily.
In college their relationship had begun to affect others. There was one time when Chlorine and Sodium had an argument over the phone. Sodium was stressed out so he decided to go for a swim to try and relieve some of the tension. There were a few people in the pool and one girl was sitting on the side of the pool. Sodium dove into the pool hastily and began swimming. The water splashed and bubbled and when Sodium came up for air he caught a glimpse of the other people jumping out of the pool. He stopped to get a better look as to what was going on. They all had burn marks on their bodies and were glaring at Sodium. Sodium had completely forgotten about the fact that he burns people every time he gets in the pool. Sodium apologized profusely but they all stormed off. He felt bad but at least now he had the pool to himself.
On that very same day when Chlorine got off the phone with Sodium she went headed down to the pool to practice some of her dives. After diving for a few hours the other people began to complain about their eyes, nose and throat burning. Chlorine knew, unfortunately, at that point that it was time to go before she killed someone. Sodium and Chlorine worked through their differences throughout college and once college was over they decide that it was time for them to get married.
There they are on their wedding day. Chlorine is dressed in a beautiful white gown and Sodium is decked out in his tuxedo. Sodium is standing up at the alter as Chlorine walks down the aisle. When the time is right Sodium gives a ring or what he calls an electron to Chlorine. From that very moment they are bonded through holy matrimony. What ends up happening when they bond is they become something completely different. Sodium no longer burns anything when he goes swimming and Chlorine no longer kills people with her poisonous gas. They put aside their differences and become something brand new and much less harmful. That’s right when Sodium and Chlorine bond they become, Salt. How many of us have ever eaten salt? I’m sure once again that all of us have. Was anyone every killed by poisonous gases while eating salt? No, of course not. Has salt ever literally burned your mouth? I think not. So because these two bonded they now have a new set of characteristics and the original characteristics no longer exist. The Salt couple lived happily ever after.
Sodium and Chlorine really like each other but… well like any relationship there obstacles to overcome. Think about it, was there ever a little something about a person that you liked that bothered you? Maybe the person has a weird laugh or they never let you finish a sentence. I’m sure that’s true for most of us. You see, Sodium has this little, tiny problem with Chlorine. Now think about it, where is Chlorine used? We all know that chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools. Well, anytime Chlorine gets to close to anyone she tends to kill them with her poisonous gas…a minor problem for Sodium. Needless to say Sodium is a little nervous about getting too close to Chlorine.
Chlorine on the other hand, is a little nervous about Sodium. What do we know about Sodium? Sodium is a metal that reacts violently with water, so anytime he gets into the pool he burns everything around him. Let’s just say whenever he’s competing against someone from another team, he always burns the competition. Well the two of them decide that they really, really like each other so much that they are going to try and put aside their differences.
Of course no relationship comes without its share of ups and downs. Typically after practice Sodium would walk Chlorine home. They walked hand in hand all the way to Chlorine’s house. Walking home, Sodium was so choked up he could barely breath. Only after Chlorine entered her house would Sodium suddenly feel better. Sodium thought it was because he really liked her. He didn’t realize that he was getting choked up because of her poisonous gases.
Then came the day of their first kiss, which was unlike any other first kiss. One day after walking Chlorine to her house, despite being choked up, Sodium leaned in for a kiss. The moisture on Chlorine’s lips caused Sodium to react and Chlorine felt a sharp burning sensation on her lips. Chlorine slapped him and stormed off.
The next day at practice Sodium apologized profusely to Chlorine. He said that he hadn’t intended to hurt her. Chlorine knew that he didn’t mean it and she quickly forgave him. She learned to keep her lips dry so she wouldn’t get burned so easily.
In college their relationship had begun to affect others. There was one time when Chlorine and Sodium had an argument over the phone. Sodium was stressed out so he decided to go for a swim to try and relieve some of the tension. There were a few people in the pool and one girl was sitting on the side of the pool. Sodium dove into the pool hastily and began swimming. The water splashed and bubbled and when Sodium came up for air he caught a glimpse of the other people jumping out of the pool. He stopped to get a better look as to what was going on. They all had burn marks on their bodies and were glaring at Sodium. Sodium had completely forgotten about the fact that he burns people every time he gets in the pool. Sodium apologized profusely but they all stormed off. He felt bad but at least now he had the pool to himself.
On that very same day when Chlorine got off the phone with Sodium she went headed down to the pool to practice some of her dives. After diving for a few hours the other people began to complain about their eyes, nose and throat burning. Chlorine knew, unfortunately, at that point that it was time to go before she killed someone. Sodium and Chlorine worked through their differences throughout college and once college was over they decide that it was time for them to get married.
There they are on their wedding day. Chlorine is dressed in a beautiful white gown and Sodium is decked out in his tuxedo. Sodium is standing up at the alter as Chlorine walks down the aisle. When the time is right Sodium gives a ring or what he calls an electron to Chlorine. From that very moment they are bonded through holy matrimony. What ends up happening when they bond is they become something completely different. Sodium no longer burns anything when he goes swimming and Chlorine no longer kills people with her poisonous gas. They put aside their differences and become something brand new and much less harmful. That’s right when Sodium and Chlorine bond they become, Salt. How many of us have ever eaten salt? I’m sure once again that all of us have. Was anyone every killed by poisonous gases while eating salt? No, of course not. Has salt ever literally burned your mouth? I think not. So because these two bonded they now have a new set of characteristics and the original characteristics no longer exist. The Salt couple lived happily ever after.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
God Tests Us
Sometimes God throws us a variable that we don’t expect. We begin to question whether or not to go against our established norms. In some cases it is just a test to see if we stay on the same path resisting temptation. In other cases the variable is brought to our attention to lead us in different direction. The battle is deciding what is truly meant for us.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Dancing is All That Matters
Now, I love to dance! After a long week of work there is nothing better then going out and hitting up a nightclub. It is Friday and I am going to get all decked out in my best threads. I call up some of my buddies and we head out for a night on the town. I cannot wait to hit the dance floor.
We headed out to one of our favorite clubs. Picture this: the lights are way down, strobes are flaring, swirls of red, yellow and blue swing across the floor, and the music is bumping! There are so many beautiful babies all over this club. The only problem with the Solid Sizzle was that it was packed. There are so many people in this club that we could barely move. I saw this girl that was so gorgeous. I gave her an eye and she smiled back. I tried to make my way over to her but I couldn’t get through the crowd. All I could do was bump, up and down, and that was it. After a minute or two of not being able to get to her, I saw she was talking to another guy. I was so pissed. I looked at my buddies and said, “Let’s get out of here.” They nodded and we bounced.
We walked on down the street to another place we liked, the Liquid Lounge. This place was off the hook. The Liquid Lounge was so much more laid back than the Solid Sizzle. We could flow through the crowd, talk to the beautiful ladies and, best of all, we could dance. I was cutting a rug like the end of the world would come tomorrow.
We were at the Liquid Lounge for about an hour and we thought to ourselves even though this place is banging we have got to at least check out the Gas Grill. The Gas Grill is a restaurant but at 10 o’clock the tables get pushed aside and the DJ starts spinning some tunes. We knew since it was just after ten there wouldn’t be many people there yet we so we could probably get in for free.
Sure the Gas Grill didn’t have as many people as the Liquid Lounge or the Solid Sizzle but I was extremely happy because I had almost the entire dance floor to myself. To our surprise, at 11 o’clock there was a break dancing contest. There were four or five guys whipping around the dance floor. I couldn’t believe how they could move their bodies the way they did. One guy did some robot moves and, man, he was good! Another guy was spinning his legs up in the air like a tornado and somebody else was spinning around on their head. This night could not get any better.
After the break dance contest, my buddy leaned over to me and said, “Hey they just opened up a new club downtown, let’s go check it out.” I was game and so where the rest of my boys. When we approached the next spot we could see the name of the place in neon lights, The Plasma Place. This placed looked hot! There were all sorts of honeys in line waiting to get in. I said to myself, this is it! This is the place!
We didn’t have to wait long to get in maybe twenty minutes. My buddy Carlos walked in first but what I saw next would scare me to death. I stopped dead in my tracks before entering and I held my friends back. Someone took Carlos by the arm and flung him up against the wall. People started slamming into one another at full speed. It was a huge mosh-pit. I saw Carlos get slammed into the wall again, his arm flew off and hit some girl in the head. It was mass hysteria. The bouncers rushed in to try and break up the fighting but they were getting tossed around just as bad as anyone. One of the bouncers got slammed into the bar and his head went flying across the room. People were smashing into one another and body parts were flying everywhere. I felt the urge to vomit. All I could do was stare and watch as the horror unfolded.
The violence played out until the police arrived and the place was covered in tear gassed. When the police found Carlos he was dead. His limbs had been ripped from his body. My friends and I couldn’t believe what had happened. The night had been so awesome until Carlos was killed. I think it can go without saying that ever since the incident at the Plasma Place, I just haven’t had the urge to dance anymore. I advise anyone planning on going out dancing to steer clear of the Plasma Place. It’s located in Matterson City in the State of Matter. Please whatever you do don’t make the same mistake that my friends and I made, don’t go to the Plasma Place!
We headed out to one of our favorite clubs. Picture this: the lights are way down, strobes are flaring, swirls of red, yellow and blue swing across the floor, and the music is bumping! There are so many beautiful babies all over this club. The only problem with the Solid Sizzle was that it was packed. There are so many people in this club that we could barely move. I saw this girl that was so gorgeous. I gave her an eye and she smiled back. I tried to make my way over to her but I couldn’t get through the crowd. All I could do was bump, up and down, and that was it. After a minute or two of not being able to get to her, I saw she was talking to another guy. I was so pissed. I looked at my buddies and said, “Let’s get out of here.” They nodded and we bounced.
We walked on down the street to another place we liked, the Liquid Lounge. This place was off the hook. The Liquid Lounge was so much more laid back than the Solid Sizzle. We could flow through the crowd, talk to the beautiful ladies and, best of all, we could dance. I was cutting a rug like the end of the world would come tomorrow.
We were at the Liquid Lounge for about an hour and we thought to ourselves even though this place is banging we have got to at least check out the Gas Grill. The Gas Grill is a restaurant but at 10 o’clock the tables get pushed aside and the DJ starts spinning some tunes. We knew since it was just after ten there wouldn’t be many people there yet we so we could probably get in for free.
Sure the Gas Grill didn’t have as many people as the Liquid Lounge or the Solid Sizzle but I was extremely happy because I had almost the entire dance floor to myself. To our surprise, at 11 o’clock there was a break dancing contest. There were four or five guys whipping around the dance floor. I couldn’t believe how they could move their bodies the way they did. One guy did some robot moves and, man, he was good! Another guy was spinning his legs up in the air like a tornado and somebody else was spinning around on their head. This night could not get any better.
After the break dance contest, my buddy leaned over to me and said, “Hey they just opened up a new club downtown, let’s go check it out.” I was game and so where the rest of my boys. When we approached the next spot we could see the name of the place in neon lights, The Plasma Place. This placed looked hot! There were all sorts of honeys in line waiting to get in. I said to myself, this is it! This is the place!
We didn’t have to wait long to get in maybe twenty minutes. My buddy Carlos walked in first but what I saw next would scare me to death. I stopped dead in my tracks before entering and I held my friends back. Someone took Carlos by the arm and flung him up against the wall. People started slamming into one another at full speed. It was a huge mosh-pit. I saw Carlos get slammed into the wall again, his arm flew off and hit some girl in the head. It was mass hysteria. The bouncers rushed in to try and break up the fighting but they were getting tossed around just as bad as anyone. One of the bouncers got slammed into the bar and his head went flying across the room. People were smashing into one another and body parts were flying everywhere. I felt the urge to vomit. All I could do was stare and watch as the horror unfolded.
The violence played out until the police arrived and the place was covered in tear gassed. When the police found Carlos he was dead. His limbs had been ripped from his body. My friends and I couldn’t believe what had happened. The night had been so awesome until Carlos was killed. I think it can go without saying that ever since the incident at the Plasma Place, I just haven’t had the urge to dance anymore. I advise anyone planning on going out dancing to steer clear of the Plasma Place. It’s located in Matterson City in the State of Matter. Please whatever you do don’t make the same mistake that my friends and I made, don’t go to the Plasma Place!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Alaska (Photo - Get Lost)
My friends thought that I was crazy for visiting Alaska in February. I lucked out. Apparently, 30-40 degrees F is a warm spell for Alaska. Since it was so warm, I decided to do some hiking at Eagle River Nature Center just outside of Anchorage. I was eager and excited. I set a course for straight ahead but a glance to my left stopped me dead in my tracks. I stared deep into a forest of trees that seemed to go on forever. I stood there mesmerized then snapped a photo of what looked to me like beautiful infinity. I continued hiking, but the trail I was on ended abruptly. Hiking alone and lost in Alaska didn’t seem like a good idea so I doubled back. The ice-covered earth caused me to slip and fall probably twenty-five times. Finally, I found the trail. My friends thought I was crazy for getting lost in Alaska too.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Breakin’ In or Breakin’ Out – A Fish Tail (Part 7)
Giovanni and Sushi guarded the tank and Bubbles was able to swim freely without worry. Harley remained inside the driftwood. Even when the big head sprinkled food into tank Harley remained where he was. A whole day went by without the sight of Harley and the others began to wonder about him.
“He must be starving,” Bubbles said to Sushi and Giovanni about Harley.
“Well, I hope he’s realizing that it isn’t okay to pick on other fish,” Giovanni said.
“I wonder what he’s doing down there,” Sushi said.
“It doesn’t matter as long as he leaves us alone,” Giovanni said.
“Do you think we should check on him?” Sushi asked.
“No, I think he’ll come out when he’s learned his lesson. Either that or he’ll come out when he’s desperate for food. Either way I’ll be ready for him,” Giovanni said.
Another day went by before Harley appeared from the driftwood. Harley slowly poked his head out of a hole in the wood. Giovanni saw him right away and was ready to pounce on him if necessary. As soon as Sushi saw Harley he went to protect Bubbles so she wouldn’t get mistreated again. Harley swam slowly out of the wood sculpture and traveled straight for Giovanni. Sushi and Bubbles watched with concern for what might play out. If Giovanni were to get into an altercation and needed Sushi, he would have to leave Bubbles in the corner by the heater and attack Harley from behind. Harley swam directly up to Giovanni and Giovanni glared at Harley. Bubbles and Sushi watched in suspense. Before Harley got to close, Giovanni gave a warning.
“We don’t want any trouble from you, Harley,” Giovanni demanded. Bubbles became so scared that she started to shake. Sushi was preparing for a fight. Harley continued to swim closer and Giovanni became defensive. “Listen, buddy. You had better not…”
Harley interrupted with a whisper, “I’m sorry.” Harley’s voice was so quiet that Giovanni didn’t even hear what he said.
“What did you say?” Giovanni was taken aback.
Harley hung his head down in shame, “I’m sorry Giovanni. I’m sorry for hurting you. I don’t know what got into me. I was out of control.”
Giovanni was flabbergasted. He fully expected an all out dual with Harley. Sushi and Bubbles couldn’t believe what they had just heard. Harley was apologizing. They began to drift out toward Harley and Giovanni. Giovanni responded to Harley, “Well, thank you, Harley, but I think there are some other fish you need to apologize to.”
Bubbles and Sushi appeared next to Giovanni. Harley turned and looked at Sushi, “Sushi, I’m sorry for being such a jerk. When we first got here, you and I were a team and I ruined it. I hope you can forgive me.” Sushi smiled. Harley turned and looked at Bubbles, “Bubbles, I’m so sorry for hurting you. I should have never treated you like that.” Harley was choked up and paused. “It’s just that when the first Bubbles passed away I thought it was the end for Sushi and me. I couldn’t believe the big heads added more fish after Bubbles died. I was so scared and so frightened that I didn’t want to let anyone new into the tank or my life. When you showed up it was like replacing our Bubbles. Just the thought of how Sushi and I could so easily be replaced scared me. I’m sorry for treating you so poorly, Bubbles.”
Bubbles smiled and there was a long pause before Giovanni spoke, “Thank you, Harley.”
Sushi and Bubbles chimed in, “Yeah, thanks Harley.”
Sushi continued, “I’m really glad you came around, Harley,” and Harley smiled.
“I’m so glad we can live in a peaceful tank now,” Bubbles said with a smile.
Harley gave a heartfelt response, “Me too, me, too.”
A sign of relief had enveloped the tank. It wasn’t long before things were running smoothly throughout the tank. Everyone was sharing food and everyone had their own spot in the tank where they could go to relax. The big heads took good care of the tank. They changed a good portion of the water regularly and made sure the items in the tank were arranged nicely. Soon after things were settled the big heads added some more fish to the fish tank. Five glowfish were added. The glowfish were these amazingly bright colored fish. Two of the glowfish were tangerine orange, two more were fluorescent green and there was one fish that was fire engine red. Once released from their bag, the red glowfish approached the others.
“Hey, how you fish, doin’? I’m Kool.” Kool had a big smile and spoke with groovy tone. Kool continued, “Those two green glowfish are Spike and Funky.” The two green glowfish nodded. Kool then pointed his fin to the two orange glowfish. “Those two fish over there are Charles and Khalis. Fish like to call us, Kool and the gang.”
Bubbles, Giovanni, Harley, and Sushi all looked at each other and knew that these fish would definitely bring some fun and excitement to the tank. They were happy to have the glowfish join their tank, even Harley. The group introduced themselves to the glowfish.
The tank couldn’t have been a better place to be. The tank was completely broken in. There was no worry of dirty water, getting sick or even burning eyes. Of course, the first Bubbles was missed but the new Bubbles fit in just nicely. The new Bubbles didn’t sing really annoying songs and Harley was happy about that. What was really cool was that Kool and the gang did sing songs and they sang some really good tunes. Even better was when the big head shut off the light, the glowfish glowed in the dark.
“He must be starving,” Bubbles said to Sushi and Giovanni about Harley.
“Well, I hope he’s realizing that it isn’t okay to pick on other fish,” Giovanni said.
“I wonder what he’s doing down there,” Sushi said.
“It doesn’t matter as long as he leaves us alone,” Giovanni said.
“Do you think we should check on him?” Sushi asked.
“No, I think he’ll come out when he’s learned his lesson. Either that or he’ll come out when he’s desperate for food. Either way I’ll be ready for him,” Giovanni said.
Another day went by before Harley appeared from the driftwood. Harley slowly poked his head out of a hole in the wood. Giovanni saw him right away and was ready to pounce on him if necessary. As soon as Sushi saw Harley he went to protect Bubbles so she wouldn’t get mistreated again. Harley swam slowly out of the wood sculpture and traveled straight for Giovanni. Sushi and Bubbles watched with concern for what might play out. If Giovanni were to get into an altercation and needed Sushi, he would have to leave Bubbles in the corner by the heater and attack Harley from behind. Harley swam directly up to Giovanni and Giovanni glared at Harley. Bubbles and Sushi watched in suspense. Before Harley got to close, Giovanni gave a warning.
“We don’t want any trouble from you, Harley,” Giovanni demanded. Bubbles became so scared that she started to shake. Sushi was preparing for a fight. Harley continued to swim closer and Giovanni became defensive. “Listen, buddy. You had better not…”
Harley interrupted with a whisper, “I’m sorry.” Harley’s voice was so quiet that Giovanni didn’t even hear what he said.
“What did you say?” Giovanni was taken aback.
Harley hung his head down in shame, “I’m sorry Giovanni. I’m sorry for hurting you. I don’t know what got into me. I was out of control.”
Giovanni was flabbergasted. He fully expected an all out dual with Harley. Sushi and Bubbles couldn’t believe what they had just heard. Harley was apologizing. They began to drift out toward Harley and Giovanni. Giovanni responded to Harley, “Well, thank you, Harley, but I think there are some other fish you need to apologize to.”
Bubbles and Sushi appeared next to Giovanni. Harley turned and looked at Sushi, “Sushi, I’m sorry for being such a jerk. When we first got here, you and I were a team and I ruined it. I hope you can forgive me.” Sushi smiled. Harley turned and looked at Bubbles, “Bubbles, I’m so sorry for hurting you. I should have never treated you like that.” Harley was choked up and paused. “It’s just that when the first Bubbles passed away I thought it was the end for Sushi and me. I couldn’t believe the big heads added more fish after Bubbles died. I was so scared and so frightened that I didn’t want to let anyone new into the tank or my life. When you showed up it was like replacing our Bubbles. Just the thought of how Sushi and I could so easily be replaced scared me. I’m sorry for treating you so poorly, Bubbles.”
Bubbles smiled and there was a long pause before Giovanni spoke, “Thank you, Harley.”
Sushi and Bubbles chimed in, “Yeah, thanks Harley.”
Sushi continued, “I’m really glad you came around, Harley,” and Harley smiled.
“I’m so glad we can live in a peaceful tank now,” Bubbles said with a smile.
Harley gave a heartfelt response, “Me too, me, too.”
A sign of relief had enveloped the tank. It wasn’t long before things were running smoothly throughout the tank. Everyone was sharing food and everyone had their own spot in the tank where they could go to relax. The big heads took good care of the tank. They changed a good portion of the water regularly and made sure the items in the tank were arranged nicely. Soon after things were settled the big heads added some more fish to the fish tank. Five glowfish were added. The glowfish were these amazingly bright colored fish. Two of the glowfish were tangerine orange, two more were fluorescent green and there was one fish that was fire engine red. Once released from their bag, the red glowfish approached the others.
“Hey, how you fish, doin’? I’m Kool.” Kool had a big smile and spoke with groovy tone. Kool continued, “Those two green glowfish are Spike and Funky.” The two green glowfish nodded. Kool then pointed his fin to the two orange glowfish. “Those two fish over there are Charles and Khalis. Fish like to call us, Kool and the gang.”
Bubbles, Giovanni, Harley, and Sushi all looked at each other and knew that these fish would definitely bring some fun and excitement to the tank. They were happy to have the glowfish join their tank, even Harley. The group introduced themselves to the glowfish.
The tank couldn’t have been a better place to be. The tank was completely broken in. There was no worry of dirty water, getting sick or even burning eyes. Of course, the first Bubbles was missed but the new Bubbles fit in just nicely. The new Bubbles didn’t sing really annoying songs and Harley was happy about that. What was really cool was that Kool and the gang did sing songs and they sang some really good tunes. Even better was when the big head shut off the light, the glowfish glowed in the dark.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Breakin’ In or Breakin’ Out – A Fish Tail (Part 6)
After the incident with Harley and Giovanni, Sushi went looking for Giovanni. Sushi poked his head into each of the holes in the driftwood. When Sushi found Giovanni, he began to approach him. When Sushi did Giovanni backed up and became jumpy.
“What do you want!?” said an angry Giovanni. His voice was deep and he looked at Sushi with a fuming glare.
“Hey, I’m sorry about what happened with Harley. I’m not sure what’s going on with him. My name is Sushi.”
Giovanni was hesitant to respond, “I’m Giovanni. You can call me Big G if you want.”
Sushi put a smile on his face, “Well, welcome to the tank, Big G. It looks like you came in on the tail end of the breakin’ in period. Things were getting pretty bad before you got here. We lost a fish. Her name was Bubbles just like the fish you came in with. I actually thought the Bubbles you came in with was our Bubbles coming back. I guess I was wrong.”
“You mean to tell me there was another Bubbles that lived here with you?” Giovanni sounded baffled.
“Yeah, I was pretty confused at first.”
Giovanni thought for a moment, “Maybe all balloon mollies are named Bubbles.”
“Maybe,” Sushi replied.
“So what happened to Bubbles?”
“The water got real cloudy and we were swimming in food waste and poop. Our eyes burned, Bubbles and I got really sick. She obviously didn’t make it. Once the big head changed some of the water, things got a lot better.”
“Sorry to hear about your loss,” Giovanni said sincerely.
“Thanks,” replied Sushi.
Giovanni wanted to know more about Harley, “So has Harley always been a jerk?”
“Harley has always been a little rough around the edges. Things got a lot worse when Bubbles died.”
“Did he have a thing for her? I mean, did he like her?” Giovanni inquired.
“No. Harley desperately wanted to break out of here and I was going to go with him. We both didn’t want to have to go through the breakin’ in of the tank. When Bubbles died, Harley tried as hard as he could to jump out of the tank. He didn’t even come close. He’s been in a bad mood ever since.”
Giovanni had some insight, “Sounds to me like he had his heart set on getting out of here, now that he realizes he can’t, he’s going to take it out on everyone else.”
Sushi’s eyes lit up, “You know Giovanni, I think you’re right. I’ll be back,” and he darted off to find Harley.
Harley was picking off the last of the food that was left behind from this morning’s breakfast. Sushi approached slowly and spoke softly.
“Hey Harley,” Sushi said calmly.
Harley snapped his head around, “Don’t you listen. I told you to back off!”
Sushi needed Harley to listen and wasn’t backing down, “Listen, Harley. I know you’re mad that we didn’t make it out of here but the tank is broken in now. We’re going to be fine.”
Harley refused to hear a word Sushi said, “Mind your own business, buddy!” He pushed through Sushi and began to swim off.
Sushi yelled at him, “Why can’t you just talk to me. I don’t want everyone to live in misery here. I want everybody to get along.”
Harley turned to look at Sushi, “You’d better find yourself a new tank then,” and swam off.
Tensions were obviously high in the fish tank. Giovanni remained hidden away inside the driftwood. Every time he came out Harley would jab at him and Giovanni would swim back to the driftwood. This made living in the tank especially difficult for Giovanni because he was unable to eat without being bullied. In fact, during feeding time Harley would jab at Sushi too. Bubbles became nervous about all the jabbing and thought she might be next so she steered clear of Harley.
One morning, just like any other, the big head opened the hood and dropped in some food. Harley darted to the top to get his unfair share of food. He gobbled up almost everything in sight. Sushi and Giovanni were waiting a moment so Harley wouldn’t be too defensive when they went up for food. Bubbles didn’t hesitate. She stayed far away from Harley and he didn’t bother her. While eating though, she drifted into the outgoing flow of the filter. The stream of water moved her toward Harley and she actually bumped into him. Harley became furious and rammed her not once but twice. Bubbles scurried away as fast as she could.
Giovanni and Sushi both saw what happened and the both simultaneously darted at Harley who went back to eating. Giovanni and Sushi both reached Harley at the same time and rammed him at full speed. They both clobbered him from opposite directions and that made him spin around. He was stunned. He didn’t even realize what had happened until he saw Giovanni and Sushi glaring at him. Harley instantly became nervous so he darted off into the driftwood. Harley had finally crossed the line.
Giovanni and Sushi both looked at each other. Giovanni spoke first, “I’ll go check on Bubbles.”
“I’ll stand guard by the food,” Sushi said.
Giovanni found Bubbles in the corner by the heater. She was shaking. Giovanni approached her softly.
“You okay, Bubbles.” She just nodded her head. “Don’t worry Bubbles, we took care of him.” She nodded her head again. “Come on lets get you some food.” She backed up even further into the corner, refusing to go. “It’s okay, Bubbles, Sushi is on guard. Harley’s not going to hurt you anymore. Harley’s not going to hurt any of us anymore. We’re going to make sure of it.”
Bubbles gathered up her courage and followed Giovanni up to the top where Sushi was. Sushi and Giovanni watched the tank while Bubbles ate. Once she was finished they alternated. One ate while the other kept watch. Giovanni and Sushi made a pact; Harley wouldn’t be controlling this tank any longer. It was about time that someone broke Harley of his attitude.
Will Harley change his ways? Can there be peace in the fish tank? Find out next week when the fish tail continues.
“What do you want!?” said an angry Giovanni. His voice was deep and he looked at Sushi with a fuming glare.
“Hey, I’m sorry about what happened with Harley. I’m not sure what’s going on with him. My name is Sushi.”
Giovanni was hesitant to respond, “I’m Giovanni. You can call me Big G if you want.”
Sushi put a smile on his face, “Well, welcome to the tank, Big G. It looks like you came in on the tail end of the breakin’ in period. Things were getting pretty bad before you got here. We lost a fish. Her name was Bubbles just like the fish you came in with. I actually thought the Bubbles you came in with was our Bubbles coming back. I guess I was wrong.”
“You mean to tell me there was another Bubbles that lived here with you?” Giovanni sounded baffled.
“Yeah, I was pretty confused at first.”
Giovanni thought for a moment, “Maybe all balloon mollies are named Bubbles.”
“Maybe,” Sushi replied.
“So what happened to Bubbles?”
“The water got real cloudy and we were swimming in food waste and poop. Our eyes burned, Bubbles and I got really sick. She obviously didn’t make it. Once the big head changed some of the water, things got a lot better.”
“Sorry to hear about your loss,” Giovanni said sincerely.
“Thanks,” replied Sushi.
Giovanni wanted to know more about Harley, “So has Harley always been a jerk?”
“Harley has always been a little rough around the edges. Things got a lot worse when Bubbles died.”
“Did he have a thing for her? I mean, did he like her?” Giovanni inquired.
“No. Harley desperately wanted to break out of here and I was going to go with him. We both didn’t want to have to go through the breakin’ in of the tank. When Bubbles died, Harley tried as hard as he could to jump out of the tank. He didn’t even come close. He’s been in a bad mood ever since.”
Giovanni had some insight, “Sounds to me like he had his heart set on getting out of here, now that he realizes he can’t, he’s going to take it out on everyone else.”
Sushi’s eyes lit up, “You know Giovanni, I think you’re right. I’ll be back,” and he darted off to find Harley.
Harley was picking off the last of the food that was left behind from this morning’s breakfast. Sushi approached slowly and spoke softly.
“Hey Harley,” Sushi said calmly.
Harley snapped his head around, “Don’t you listen. I told you to back off!”
Sushi needed Harley to listen and wasn’t backing down, “Listen, Harley. I know you’re mad that we didn’t make it out of here but the tank is broken in now. We’re going to be fine.”
Harley refused to hear a word Sushi said, “Mind your own business, buddy!” He pushed through Sushi and began to swim off.
Sushi yelled at him, “Why can’t you just talk to me. I don’t want everyone to live in misery here. I want everybody to get along.”
Harley turned to look at Sushi, “You’d better find yourself a new tank then,” and swam off.
Tensions were obviously high in the fish tank. Giovanni remained hidden away inside the driftwood. Every time he came out Harley would jab at him and Giovanni would swim back to the driftwood. This made living in the tank especially difficult for Giovanni because he was unable to eat without being bullied. In fact, during feeding time Harley would jab at Sushi too. Bubbles became nervous about all the jabbing and thought she might be next so she steered clear of Harley.
One morning, just like any other, the big head opened the hood and dropped in some food. Harley darted to the top to get his unfair share of food. He gobbled up almost everything in sight. Sushi and Giovanni were waiting a moment so Harley wouldn’t be too defensive when they went up for food. Bubbles didn’t hesitate. She stayed far away from Harley and he didn’t bother her. While eating though, she drifted into the outgoing flow of the filter. The stream of water moved her toward Harley and she actually bumped into him. Harley became furious and rammed her not once but twice. Bubbles scurried away as fast as she could.
Giovanni and Sushi both saw what happened and the both simultaneously darted at Harley who went back to eating. Giovanni and Sushi both reached Harley at the same time and rammed him at full speed. They both clobbered him from opposite directions and that made him spin around. He was stunned. He didn’t even realize what had happened until he saw Giovanni and Sushi glaring at him. Harley instantly became nervous so he darted off into the driftwood. Harley had finally crossed the line.
Giovanni and Sushi both looked at each other. Giovanni spoke first, “I’ll go check on Bubbles.”
“I’ll stand guard by the food,” Sushi said.
Giovanni found Bubbles in the corner by the heater. She was shaking. Giovanni approached her softly.
“You okay, Bubbles.” She just nodded her head. “Don’t worry Bubbles, we took care of him.” She nodded her head again. “Come on lets get you some food.” She backed up even further into the corner, refusing to go. “It’s okay, Bubbles, Sushi is on guard. Harley’s not going to hurt you anymore. Harley’s not going to hurt any of us anymore. We’re going to make sure of it.”
Bubbles gathered up her courage and followed Giovanni up to the top where Sushi was. Sushi and Giovanni watched the tank while Bubbles ate. Once she was finished they alternated. One ate while the other kept watch. Giovanni and Sushi made a pact; Harley wouldn’t be controlling this tank any longer. It was about time that someone broke Harley of his attitude.
Will Harley change his ways? Can there be peace in the fish tank? Find out next week when the fish tail continues.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Breakin’ In or Breakin’ Out – A Fish Tail (Part 5)
After Bubbles left, the situations in the tank quickly improved. The big head removed a good portion of the water in the tank and replaced it with new fresh water. Sushi instantly felt better but still wasn’t 100%. Harley stayed inside the rock sculpture. The tank was quiet. There was a definite eerie feeling and the threat of death had presented itself. Harley and Sushi would have to hold out through the breaking in period or find another way to break out.
The big head turned on the light and opened the hood. Food came pouring in. Harley darted from inside the rock sculpture up to the surface. Sushi followed.
“Hey, Harley,” Sushi called out. “What’s going on?”
Harley was a bit standoffish, “Hey.”
Sushi tried again, “How you doin’?”
Harley was back to his old tough guy routine only now he was being a jerk to Sushi, “I’m fine. Now, leave me alone I’m trying to eat.”
Sushi was disappointed that Harley didn’t even notice that he was feeling a lot better, “Alright Harley, sorry.”
Harley didn’t say a word. He just ate the food. A few minutes later the big head stuck his hand into the tank. The big head started moving stuff around. Sushi backed up into a corner to get out of the way. First, the small rock sculpture was removed. Then a big tree log was added with lots of hiding places. Next, one of the plants was taken out and it was replaced with a taller plant.
Wow! Sushi thought. This is great! We’re getting a lot of awesome stuff added to the tank. Things are really shaping up. Sushi went to find Harley.
“Hey Harley, what do you think of the new joint? It’s really shaping up, huh?” Sushi said excitedly.
Harley didn’t even turn to look at him, “Yeah it’s alright.” Harley wiggled his tail fin and swam away. Sushi watched as Harley swam away. He couldn’t figure out what was up with Harley.
To Sushi’s surprise a bag was placed into the tank. He swam up to it and realized there were two fish in the bag. It’s Bubbles! Sushi thought. Sushi couldn’t believe that Bubbles was back. I thought she had died. Maybe she was just sick and now she is feeling better.
The other fish in the bag was really big. He was a gourami. The type of fish that is really tall and thin but from the side looks like a squashed pancake. The gourami looked as though he was painted by an artist. He had a bright orange rim around each eye. His body was brownish-gold and he had dark brown zebra stripes that ran down his body. His bottom fin had dark brown spots and he had these two long antenna looking things that extended down into the water. The newly changed water, new arrangement to the tank, Bubbles coming back along with a new fish meant that things were definitely getting better. We just might all make it through the breakin’ in period. Sushi thought.
The bag was soon untied and tipped over. Bubbles and the new fish were released. Sushi excitedly swam up to Bubbles.
“Hey Bubbles!” Sushi exclaimed.
“How do you know my name?” Bubbles responded.
Sushi froze for a minute. He was flabbergasted. Why doesn’t she remember me? Did she forget about me? Sushi replied, “You were here yesterday. We thought you were…”
Bubbles was confused, “I was here yesterday? But I just came from the pet store today.”
Sushi was trying to put the pieces together, “But your name is Bubbles?”
“Yep, and that’s Giovanni over there,” pointing to the gourami. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
Bubbles swam in the direction of Giovanni and Sushi followed. Harley poked his head out from the wood sculpture. He was looking right at Giovanni and didn’t see Bubbles or Sushi. Harley darted at Giovanni and hit him in his side. Harley backed up and rammed him again. Bubbles let out a big gasp.
“Oh my!” Bubbles yelled out. Sushi and Bubbles stopped in their tracks. They watched as Harley rammed Giovanni one last time. Giovanni swam off in the opposite direction and found a separate hiding place inside the driftwood. Harley turned and saw Bubbles and Sushi watching. Harley gave a dirty look and swam off. Bubbles was too frightened to even speak let alone move. Sushi chased after Harley.
“Hey! Hey, Harley!” Sushi shouted. Harley turned around and gave a dirty look to Sushi. “What are you doing? Why are you bothering Giovanni?”
Harley snapped at Sushi, “Back off,” and he gave Sushi a forceful nudge.
“Hey! What’s your problem,” Sushi shouted. Harley swam off. It looks like Bubbles, Sushi and Giovanni had more to worry about than just breaking in the tank.
…Tune in next week to find out what happens.
The big head turned on the light and opened the hood. Food came pouring in. Harley darted from inside the rock sculpture up to the surface. Sushi followed.
“Hey, Harley,” Sushi called out. “What’s going on?”
Harley was a bit standoffish, “Hey.”
Sushi tried again, “How you doin’?”
Harley was back to his old tough guy routine only now he was being a jerk to Sushi, “I’m fine. Now, leave me alone I’m trying to eat.”
Sushi was disappointed that Harley didn’t even notice that he was feeling a lot better, “Alright Harley, sorry.”
Harley didn’t say a word. He just ate the food. A few minutes later the big head stuck his hand into the tank. The big head started moving stuff around. Sushi backed up into a corner to get out of the way. First, the small rock sculpture was removed. Then a big tree log was added with lots of hiding places. Next, one of the plants was taken out and it was replaced with a taller plant.
Wow! Sushi thought. This is great! We’re getting a lot of awesome stuff added to the tank. Things are really shaping up. Sushi went to find Harley.
“Hey Harley, what do you think of the new joint? It’s really shaping up, huh?” Sushi said excitedly.
Harley didn’t even turn to look at him, “Yeah it’s alright.” Harley wiggled his tail fin and swam away. Sushi watched as Harley swam away. He couldn’t figure out what was up with Harley.
To Sushi’s surprise a bag was placed into the tank. He swam up to it and realized there were two fish in the bag. It’s Bubbles! Sushi thought. Sushi couldn’t believe that Bubbles was back. I thought she had died. Maybe she was just sick and now she is feeling better.
The other fish in the bag was really big. He was a gourami. The type of fish that is really tall and thin but from the side looks like a squashed pancake. The gourami looked as though he was painted by an artist. He had a bright orange rim around each eye. His body was brownish-gold and he had dark brown zebra stripes that ran down his body. His bottom fin had dark brown spots and he had these two long antenna looking things that extended down into the water. The newly changed water, new arrangement to the tank, Bubbles coming back along with a new fish meant that things were definitely getting better. We just might all make it through the breakin’ in period. Sushi thought.
The bag was soon untied and tipped over. Bubbles and the new fish were released. Sushi excitedly swam up to Bubbles.
“Hey Bubbles!” Sushi exclaimed.
“How do you know my name?” Bubbles responded.
Sushi froze for a minute. He was flabbergasted. Why doesn’t she remember me? Did she forget about me? Sushi replied, “You were here yesterday. We thought you were…”
Bubbles was confused, “I was here yesterday? But I just came from the pet store today.”
Sushi was trying to put the pieces together, “But your name is Bubbles?”
“Yep, and that’s Giovanni over there,” pointing to the gourami. “Come on, I’ll introduce you.”
Bubbles swam in the direction of Giovanni and Sushi followed. Harley poked his head out from the wood sculpture. He was looking right at Giovanni and didn’t see Bubbles or Sushi. Harley darted at Giovanni and hit him in his side. Harley backed up and rammed him again. Bubbles let out a big gasp.
“Oh my!” Bubbles yelled out. Sushi and Bubbles stopped in their tracks. They watched as Harley rammed Giovanni one last time. Giovanni swam off in the opposite direction and found a separate hiding place inside the driftwood. Harley turned and saw Bubbles and Sushi watching. Harley gave a dirty look and swam off. Bubbles was too frightened to even speak let alone move. Sushi chased after Harley.
“Hey! Hey, Harley!” Sushi shouted. Harley turned around and gave a dirty look to Sushi. “What are you doing? Why are you bothering Giovanni?”
Harley snapped at Sushi, “Back off,” and he gave Sushi a forceful nudge.
“Hey! What’s your problem,” Sushi shouted. Harley swam off. It looks like Bubbles, Sushi and Giovanni had more to worry about than just breaking in the tank.
…Tune in next week to find out what happens.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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