Shame on me

I don't know why but it never fails. Every year I always forget Moms birthday. It is even on the same date my birthday is. I do this every year. I think about it a few weeks after it has passed and then I have to call her and apologize for forgetting. Hopefully from here on out I will do better. I have signed up for something called birthday alarm and it will let you know a couple of weeks before the date that was entered. Yep... I know.... Shame on me!

Something different

These little fellas where about to reach there destination when all of a sudden I had this bright idea. Ever heard the phrase: take a picture, it will last longer. Well I think I'm about to make history when I say... that is FALSE....to be honest they didn't last very long at all after this!

Class

Boy ole boy, my classes are already starting to get tough. I'm sure you will hear me say this all the time when I say... when they assign you homework, they don't play around. They sock it to ya. What can I say though, the things I'm learning now will benefit me in the future. The biggest weight on my shoulders is in my photoshop class. Last week, that class got canceled from the slush... you know we don't get snow around here, just slush or ice. This past Thursday we had to play catch up and that was not any fun.. my brain was fried from so much input. It's all good though, I am really excited about the neat tricks and everything else I am learning in photoshop.

I can't wait to share with you what we are doing and some of the projects I will have to do. As a matter or fact, project #1 has been given. I have an old photo from who knows how long ago. It's old, faded, scratched and dirty. Basically it looks like someone crumbled it up. What I have to do is restore that picture to it's natural look. Not what a picture would look like today, but what it would look like back then. I have 2 weeks before I have to turn it in. After I am finished I will post both pictures and let you decide whether or not I done a good or bad job. The crazy part is... this is just the beginning. I have met people at that school that have an incredible knowledge about photoshop and do you want to know how long it has taken them to reach that high of caliber.... to long. That's ok though, my heart is all over it. I am going to keep plugging away. I will keep you posted on how things are coming along.

The goofy green lizard vs The SC Toyota guy

OK now ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.... I am long past sick and tired of seeing these stupid Geico commercials. How in the world is 15 minutes going to save you 15% or more when it seems like they are spending all their money on TV commercials. I'm even more sick and tired of seeing the actors in the Geico commercials.


Speaking of commercials... I seen one the other day that I really is a joke. It was a Scott Clark Toyota commercial and he was saying that if you buy a car or truck from him, you will have great savings. He then went on to say.... with savings like that you can pay off your credit card or just put the money in the bank. WHAT A FREAKING IDIOT!!!

I don't know what Scott Clark is taking or what he needs to start taking but you never get any kind of savings when you buy a car... just debt. For once I would like to see a commercial that would say something like this:

Hello... we are eager to have your business... so come on down and jump knee deep in debt so our employees can make a little money off you... everyone needs a truck or car so why not buy yours here. Times will be tough but just keep making those monthly payments and maybe one day, you will get it paid off... or if your really lucky, you will have it paid off and it will still run for you. Remember.... bring yourself right in for some car payments that will make you sick to your stomach every month. If you have a trade in, bring that in so we can screw you over in that vehicle you almost had paid off before we really sock it to you in your brand new truck or car. We are the #1 dealer around.... We keep you running while you stay in debt. Honesty is our best policy.





They might as well say that because that is what they are thinking.

Steve Lindenman

When Shelly and I moved into our house last year( 2007), I had all intentions of meeting my surrounding neighbors. My first thought was since we were the new gang in the hood... it would be their responsibility to do the greeting. Glad I wasn't holding my breath... Hey that's ok... everybody is pretty busy these days... at least that's what I hear all the time. After living here for a few months, I would casually throw my hand up to everybody I made eye contact with so they'll know that I'm not on the wanted dead or alive list. To make a really long story short, I winded up meeting a few neighbors by accident. My next door neighbor was selling their house so I went over to give my usual hate to see ya go speech and then engaged in a conversation about photography. Next thing you know he points towards the house next to him and says.. "if you like photography then you need to meet this guy over here, he is into photography". So after hearing that I went over and just knocked on the door. Turns out this guy is a photographer for the Carolina Panthers... and his name is Steve Lindenman. Actually, Steve is a very active photographer around here. If you check out his site, you will see that he has been shooting several events for quite some time. Football-pro and high school, boxing.. all kinds of things. There is even a few celebrity shots in there. To top it off, Steve is a super cool guy...he has already been a big help to me and hopefully one day I will have the knowledge he has about photography. Something else I really like about Steve is that he doesn't boast about what he does. I know so many people that love to boast about everything they do, like they're better then you. Steve is just an easy going, laid back kinda fella. If you ever get a chance to meet this guy, you will know exactly what I'm talking about.

When you get a chance, cruise over and check out Steve's site at http://www.lindenmanphoto.com/

Carpe Diem

Last Friday night Shelly and I decided to head out to one our favorite restaurants in Charlotte called Carpe Diem. This is one of those places where you have to save up a little and make sure your proper manners are in check. Since we don't get out to these places all that often I have to remember to keep that Bunn way of talking kinda tucked in a little. Odds are they would look at you kinda funny if you said .... howsabout a piece of chicken there brotha...This is also not a place where you can walk in with a pair of blue jeans on but you don't have to wear a suit and tie either... unless you want to. I really enjoy fine dining like this every once in a while. There is something to be said about getting dressed up a little to go out and eat. The food has an unbelievable taste to it. You have to remember... places like this have Chefs... not billy bob who lives down the road and knows how to grill up a steak...The food has a flavor that will blow you away. Service is likewise, you get treated with the utmost respect. So what are you waiting on? Give it a shot. If you are looking for a nice and romantic restaurant with a cozy feel to it... then Carpe Diem is where you want to go.

Bojangles

Guess where my favorite restaurant is... there is no telling by now. I remember every time me mom and dad would come out to Charlotte to see my sisters, dad would always say..." where do you want to eat". He would always say that around the Wingate area or about a mile or two before Bojangles. The one I'm talking about is not there anymore or should I say the old one is not there. They tore it down and built a new one. The old one was where I always wanted to eat when we made our way to Charlotte or anywhere near the area. It was the Bojangles in Monroe near the Hill Top inn where 601 runs into 74. I don't know why I loved that one so much but there use to be a tall smoke stack near the restaurant and I could see it sticking up a few miles before we ever got there. I think there was a time when mom and dad knew they couldn't go by there and not stop as long as I was with them.

It's a shame they tore down the smoke stacks... I think remains like that are intriguing and they symbolize what use to be there. Oh well... nothing I can do about that... as long as they don't change the menu we'll be fine!

Charlotte nights

The other night after school I was on my way home and thought I would cruise around uptown a little while and start scoping out a place for a city shot. I have been telling myself for so long that I need to get out and get a shot like this. Most of the time when I start feeling those urges deep down inside, then that is when I need to jump on the band wagon and just do it. I still have several more photos I would like to get of uptown so hopefully I will have those before long. Enjoy.

Blogging Anniversary

January has the title to yet another anniversary. It was around this time last year when I started blogging. Shelly and I just moved into our new house and I took a week off to get a few things squared away. The last weekend on my week off I headed down to Jacksonville Florida for a riding adventure with a friend of mine.

Once we arrived in Jacksonville, we decided to head out and grab a bite to eat. We winded up at a place called The Landing and there was this gorgeous shot. The screwed up part was I just got my camera and I didn't know how to take night shots. What a shame... this would have been a great photo if it was in focus. Oh well... live and learn. After we got back home from our trip I just had to write about it. From that moment on I knew this was something I would enjoy doing. Now I'm eat up with it. There are about 20 other things other than writing that I am trying to sharpen my skills on and sometimes it feels like 24 hours is not enough time in a day. There are things I need to do, things I want to do, things I have to do and things I should do. Sometimes you just have to lay everything down and take a break. You know what though... I love doing this stuff so much that hopefully one day I'll have thousands of readers. I look at it like a monthly magazine. Once again let me say, I am hoping to take things to another level this year with everything I'm doing. Like always, I will keep you posted on whats going on, whether it's just a thought on my mind or some kind of journey I want to share with you. I hope the Bunny Show is a place for you to come when you need a laugh, need to cry or you just can't get enough. Either way I hope I can fulfill the desires of my heart as well as yours in the form of letters. One more thing, don't forget that the Bunny Show is always open for any stories you may have. Send me the story in an email and I will paste it in and source it so everyone will know who wrote the story. Till then, take care.

Jack in the park

A couple of weekends ago Shelly and I decided to take Mr. Jack Bunn for a walk in the park. The old fella likes to get out every once in a while but over all he is kinda like Dorothy on the Wizard of Oz. There is no place like home. He loves to sniff around all the different smells but he wears out pretty quick. Jack is spoiled rotten. Since he has gotten in his old age we like to give him treats... er I guess you could say I give him treats. A big fat weenie. He tears them jokers up too. He always comes up behind me in the mornings when I'm making the bed. First he starts panting and then he will throw his front paws on my leg. Once I give him attention he runs into the kitchen and stands right at the door of the fridge...that dog is a treat all in himself. To go along with that, Shell melt has been feeding him kibbles and bits. Ever since then that dog has had some serious gas. That just lets me know he is 100% Bunn.

I can tell you one thing for sure. If you have been feeling lonely or depressed then I have your answer. Get a dog. They will bring you all kinds of joy.

The most adorable dog alive

Our little cabin

It was around this time last year when Shelly and I made the move into our little mountain cabin. Both she and I can honestly say we are not sold out on this side of town but it is working perfect for now. The plan is to stay here until I get out of school and find a job. Then we will probably start looking pretty serious for another place. We kinda miss the Concord area but there are several other places that seem like they are nice places to live. Who knows, time will tell.

Ghostbusters

Well today has been one of those days. For some reason both Shelly bean and I felt like crap... after I got home from meeting up with a classmate for a project, we decided to go grab something to eat, come back home, chill out, watch a movie... and call it a day. Well on the way home we decided to grab a Starbucks coffee. We put our order in and Shell bell got hers and the other 5 or 6 people behind us got theirs but not me. So I'm standing there patiently because now that I work in retail... I realize how things can get screwed up or out of place... but I also know how to inform people if there is a problem. One girl asked me what I was waiting on but that was it. I thought she would have jumped on my order after that but no.... after 3 more customers got their mocha... I looked at Shelly and said .."that's it". A little bit of Bunn emerged from this human body of mine. I was polite but I said in a loud voice that I have been waiting long enough. I approached the cashier and said that I would like a refund for my coffee. The girl immediately apologized and said the order got lost somehow. Like I said... I understand how things get all whacked out sometimes but can you at least tell me my order is coming up. I mean it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out something is wrong for this guy to be standing here waiting for so long. It wasn't even busy... oh well.. it's just coffee. Once again though, it's just the principle of it. We got home and put in our movie and the stupid dadgum DVD player decided to give out on us. After all this we just settled for some TV. Ghostbusters was on so we watched that. To be honest, I think movies like that are better then some of the crazy movies that are out these days anyway. It's kinda funny to watch movies from the 80s. I like to see what the cars look like, the clothes people are wearing, the hair styles... all that good stuff.

There something strange ... in the neighborhood... who ya gonna call...

GHOSTBUSTERS!!!!

Bustin makes me fell good....

Oh yea... by the way. You think the guy who sang this song was from the south? Who ya gonna call...

Who are you going to call wouldn't sound right now would it.

A new quarter

Well I just finished the first week of my 2nd quarter of school. All I'm gonna say is this is gonna be a great quarter... it's going to be tough that's for sure. This time around I have classes that are geared my major. I have a class that is teaching scripting which is HTML and in another class I have audio and video and to top it off.. a class on image manipulation. Basically, I will be learning codes for web design, shooting footage for video editing, adobe photoshop and illustrator.

I am gonna try and enjoy this weekend because times might get a little heavy around the Bunn estates... at least for me. The instructor in my photoshop class even said " if you have a heavy load this quarter, you might wanna drop the class. We are gonna move fast." She even made a comment about that class needing to be stretched out two quarters instead of one. There is so much you can do with this software. If you can imagine it, then it can be done in photoshop. You just have to learn the skills to do it. Adobe CS3 is the highest level of photo manipulation. Any time you see these beautiful models in a magazine or any other articles in magazines... then it was most likely done with this software. Even though we are gonna cover a lot of grounds during the next 11 weeks, I'm sure this will be just the tip of the iceberg. I am really excited to learn this software and everything else I'm taking. I should be able to start showing some work I have done in another month or so. Stay tuned... cause it's gonna be tough but it's gonna be good.

While we were in class, our instructor took us to a site where several photos have been manipulated. If you get a chance you can check it out. Go to http://www.worth1000.com/ and check out what I hope to be learning. Remember, absolutely anything can be done. See here for yourself.

Some photoshop...

School break is over

Well my school break is over and tomorrow it's back to the nitty gritty. In a way I'm kinda nervous again. I can't explain it but it almost feels surreal. I sit around thinking... man did I just complete a quarter of college!!! Now I have to start all over again with all new classes. It's kinda like the first day of high school. You wonder what your teachers are gonna be like and who is going to be in your class. It's just a funny feeling. During school I'm always neck deep in my study and to have 3 weeks off where all you have to do is relax or whatever you want to do, is going to take some readjusting to get use to again. To be honest, I'm glad to be starting back. My brain is still hungry for data...

Remember... the more I learn, the more I can share with you. I'm looking forward to learning all that I can stand. Continue to keep me in your prayers. I'll keep you updated on how things are going.

New Years

I hope everyone had a great New Years. I have yet to go out somewhere and celebrate while the ball is dropping. Normally me and Shelly button just hang out here at the house. I usually stay up to watch it fall and Shell usually falls asleep right before it drops. However you decided to bring in 2008 I hope you went about it safe. I am looking forward to great things to come in 2008 and I'm sure you are too.

Happy Hew Year to all and God Bless.

Christmas morning

Although Christmas morning has come and gone, there are a few things I will always remember getting for Christmas. What can I say... I was spoiled rotten as a kid.

• A beautiful red radio flyer wagon
• plenty of shovels
• New bicycles
• A 5 speed go-cart
• Digger Dan toy construction set
• Tonka Toys

several pair of socks and lets not forget... plenty of friggin underwear. I use to hate seeing that when I was kid, but if I got a pack of underwear these days I would be tickled to death. It don't take long for them skid marks to stain your BVDs or fruit of the looms....all I wanted was some toys..It sure is funny how your outlook on life changes the older you get.

I can remember hardly ever sleeping the night before Christmas... as crazy as it sounds, sometimes I would try to listen out for Santa. I remember one Christmas morning seeing a plate of missing cookies and a note saying... The cookies were great... Santa. I also remember there were a lot of crumbs on the plate to make it look like they were just ate.

That Pearl Bunn was pulling one over on me. That was his hand writing on the paper towel. I remember it cause I always thought dad had neat hand writing. I wish I had kept it. I also wish I could have looked into the future and seen the value of things like that... who wouldn't want that gift.

I don't know where I got it from but I have a gift of remembering details of almost everything. Give me a book to read and ask me what it was about... I'm clueless but I can vividly remember other things with great detail. It's like I can see the image in my mind just like I just seen it 5 minutes ago. That's exactly how I remember that note.. like it was just showed to me.

Something else I remember was the breakfast mom would fix on Christmas morning. Lemme tell ya now...grit's, eggs, sausage, toast and honey ham. Yum... Yum...

Well I believe that's all I have for now... Merry Christmas to all and to all Merry Christmas.

Camping

While I was out snapping a few pictures, I decided to take this shot. To some people this just an ordinary photo but to a few others, they will know exactly what I'm about to talk about. This is the site of the camping spot where my family along with a few other family's would set up for a weekend or two during the summer months. This is the site of the infamous terd ball island... the site of one sun burn to many... tons of fun and lots of laughs... Sometime in the near future I would like to plan a weekend to go back and set up camp for the weekend. The only problem is I don't have a boat or any fishing poles and I don't care to go swimming in any water that I can't see the bottom. I know there is a dirt road or there use to be where you could drive out. Out here there are no computers, no TV no nothing. Just yourself. You refrigerator is a cooler with ice... your stove is a Coleman portable propane stove and your bathroom is either a hole in the ground or a 5 gallon bucket. So.... have you got your gear loaded up and ready to go... I'll bring the shovels...for the holes and the infamous terd ball island..

Long Live Terd Ball Island

Good Grief...

I was watching a little bit of the news tonight and I saw something that kinda bugs me. Well we all know there is hardly ever anything good on the news... just crime. The part that got me was they showed a clip of the war and a new video from bin ladin... then it jumped over to screaming happy fans at a football game. I'm not saying it's wrong to go to a football game but It just got me to thinking about our freedom. We have friends family and loved ones over seas fighting, putting their life on the line, going without sleep and enduring the most graphic nightmares of blood and death... all so we can jump and scream and throw your hands in the air like your having the time of your life. Then on the way home, you will probably start complaining about something ridiculous because it didn't go your way. Maybe I'm wrong... but that's just the way it comes across. I dunno, maybe It's just me.

Either way our freedom will always come with a heavy price. Thank God for our military.

Saturday 12-29-07

I decided to head down to Lilesville today, since I didn't have much going on. Mom switched to Time Warner and the stupid dummy who was rigging up her computer made a mess out of her computer wires. Whoever this idiot was, he needs to find another line of work. First of all he unplugged the DSL box and cord and left that behind the computer. Then for some reason he unplugged the speakers and didn't plug it back in. Finally, he didn't bother putting her new cable box on the computer, he just left it on the floor and had everything plugged in upside down. That stupid idiot.... he seems like a real genius doesn't he. Anyhoo, I completely untangled the mess he had and tried to make it look a little better.. oh yea, I also plugged the speaker wire back in. It makes me angry when people take the easy way out like this. You can clearly see this dummy could care less about what he was doing. Mom told me he made a comment about they are not allowed to move furniture... and that's understandable. What I don't understand is why didn't he plug the speakers back in... I didn't have to moved anything. It's just the principle of it really. Oh well... nuff of that.



I've been hearing these voices of nature calling me for quite a while to come take there picture... since I was going that way I decided to take my camera and delight myself. This seemed like the perfect time because my Shelly button left Christmas evening to go stay with her parents for a week. This gave me plenty of time to just park and walk. When I got back to Moms, there was a grilled steak, potato and a salad almost ready for a knife, fork and my chompers....ah... just like the old days. On Saturday evenings dad would grill some steaks...mom would make the salad and the potatoes. What a great day...I got to see my mom and spend some time with her... I got to play with her crazy dogs... I got to run around Lilesville trying to capture the pictures from the voices of nature and I got to sit down and have a wonderful steak dinner with mom. You are the greatest mom. Dad would be proud of you.

The voices of nature have been caught...

Dennis McSwain

About ten years ago, I was going to a church in Rockingham, and a guy I never seen before started attending services there. I really didn't think much of it because new faces are always coming and going. After a few weeks went by I noticed this guy was still attending and before long, he was a part of the musicians of the church. The church I am talking about is called Jesus First Free Will Baptist and the guys name is Dennis McSwain.

Dennis was playing the drums, I was on the bass along with another guitar player and a piano player. In my spare time I had a band I was playing in and one day one of the guys in the band was saying how he would like to find a keyboard player. As soon as he said that I knew just the guy. Dennis played the drums but played the keyboard even better. I approached Dennis with an invitation and before you know it, he was a part of group. Since he and I were a part of the church group and a part of this band.. we got to know each other pretty dang quick. Come to find out we had a lot in common and before long we had a good friendship going. To make a long story short, things eventually died out with the band and I guess you can say... that was that.
I started dating this girl from the church and Dennis had his heart set on someone as well. We had some good times because we were all friends and we always hung out together. After a while, things started to fall apart between me the girl I was dating but Dennis was still going strong with his girl. All of a sudden I found myself all alone. I don't remember everything exactly the way it happened but for some crazy reason both Dennis and I started going in different directions with our lives. Eventually, I moved away and just like that, I thought my good ole friend Dennis was never to be heard of again. I knew I would see him sometime another but I'm talking about the good fellowship you share with your best friends. You see when Dennis and I were hanging out, I could act goofy, stupid, serious or however I wanted to act and he never ridiculed me in any way... he just laughed at me. That was one of the things that made his friendship to me so valuable. You know we all have our goofy and dumb ways about something. Dennis was that person that just didn't care, he was just my friend.

Earlier this year, I came in contact with Melodie, which is now wife to Dennis... and was invited to homecoming at Jesus First Church. From that moment on I was reunited with my good friend Dennis. I set that whole day aside just to spend time with those folks I have missed so much and at the same time, made myself a little promise. No matter what, I am going to do everything I can to keep in touch with the people that mean the most to me.

Since then Dennis and his wife came up our way for some shopping and then later on we met up for some dinner and fellowship. Before long we were back to our same ole goofy ways again. Sometimes I like to think back on those times when we were hanging out. We would always go grab some Chinese food.... I ain't never in my life ate so much Chinese food but boy it was good eating..... heck I think we kept some of those restaurants in business since we ate there so much. Sesame chicken didn't have a chance if McSwain and Bunn come walking through the door.... yea we tore it up that's for sure. To me, you couldn't ask for a better friendship from someone. Thanks Dennis. A very special Thanks to Melodie because she was the one that invited me to homecoming. If I didn't attended that service, I would not be reconnected with my friend.

This story is dedicated to Dennis and Melodie McSwain. Thanks again

Picture Contest

Several weeks ago I entered a picture contest and here lately I've been getting a few emails on my photo. I have no idea if there is any truth in the emails they are sending but you don't know until try. So I just picked a shot I took of the sky and sent it in. Here is the latest news... my picture is up for votes and anyone can vote. Just follow the link and you should be able to do everything right there. So how about it... for the ole Bunny....

Follow this link- http://www.picture.com/voteforme/photovote1.asp?PID=2477824

What did you get for Christmas

Well before long the Christmas lights and trees will be coming down to be put back in storage or if you are a redneck... you just leave them out all ear long. I'll let you be the judge on that one. The radio stations start back playing the music their suppose to play and Christmas will be all gone until another year comes around. Even though Christmas has nothing to do with Santa or reindeer's, I still miss the excitement I had every year. I always will remember the Christmas contatas me and my cousin Sean had to be in. After the program we went back into the fellowship hall to have a bite to eat and to give out gifts. You see, everyone at Forestville Methodist is like a big family. Everybody knows everybody and it's been like that ever since I can remember. Ahh, sometimes I catch myself drifting back down through that hallway... seeing the big Christmas tree with all the presents and then sitting down with a plate of those little bitty sausage links that you fix in a crock pot... ham and turkey with crackers... small pimento cheese sandwiches...I miss those days so bad... It's funny how you are a part of something like that and then you get out of school and go your way and your doing your thing...we leave everyone behind. I over heard someone just the other day asking Mom how the contata went this year. She said all they done was sing a few songs and that was it. After hearing that, It made me a little sad in a way... made me think back to those days when Sean and myself along with the other kids our age would be a part of that program. Now everyone has grown up and moved away... all that is left is our parents and the elderly folk that still attend Forestville Methodist Church. Man... I can't begin to tell you all the good memories I've had at that church. Both Sean and I grew up going to that church. I don't know whats going on inside of me here lately... just a little down I guess. I'm not depressed by any means. I'm just missing the good ole days... wishing somethings would never come to an end. So many times I sit here at my computer staring at the monitor like I'm looking at a picture my mind is showing me. I can remember seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter on everyone faces... I can even smell those sausage links. We just had some really good times. I really believe a big part of that comes from the good nature of all those people. Sometimes I feel like I would give anything if I could go back in time a relive some of those moments. You know something... I know that everyone is different and has their own different opinions about everything but for me, I am finding out so many things that have so much value. I know some people never look back after they leave home... but for me it has everything to do with looking back.... it's where my memories exist. Since I have left the town there have been a few that have decided their time clock was up and then others have simply moved on. That seems strange to me since I can remember the way they talked and the kindness they show me while I was there. This is what I wish never changed but we all get older, make our own way of life and sometimes that means going separate ways... but life goes on.

I know I often talk about my life growing up and the good times I've had but I want you to know that doesn't mean I'm a better person than you...or my life is better than yours... if your life was not what you call "missing the old days". We don't hold the future... we just have to make the best of what we have... and that my friend.. is entirely up to you with what you do with your life. Before I close this out, I would like to dedicate this story to all the folks at Forestville Methodist Church...my family and most of all my dad.

Merry Christmas Dad

Fun days at work

See what kind of looney tunes I work with... The best part is when they think a customer is walking in...

Cat

I thought James did a good job on this video.

Goodbye's

I guess your gonna think I'm getting a little girlie on you again but even men get a little emotional. We just don't thrive on it like women do.... well here's the deal. Since I've been working with cycle gear I have made some new friends. I seem to have a gift when it comes to making new friends. I dunno... I guess I just got that from dad... we don't hardly know any strangers. I work with about 6 people and the majority of them are around 21 yrs of age. Well I have gotten to know them pretty good and now there leaving the state and going to California. Even though their a couple of pecker heads, I hate to see them go but I can't blame them a bit if that's where they feel nature's calling. I can speak for myself when it comes to that. I didn't feel like my life was going anywhere until I made the move to a different location. So with that being said, I would like to say goodbye to my buddies... James Halski and Steven Penie. The sad part for me is when I get to know someone, their image gets carved in my mind and the thought of me never seeing them again kinda gets me every now and then. That goes for anybody. I can remember all kinds of images with no problem. I don't even have to try, it just sticks and it's long term. James last day was today and Stevens last day will be Sunday.

So long fellas.... Don't stop till you've reached the top.

You know I've been doing some thinking. I have already decided that retail is not what I want to make a career out of. My job at Cycle Gear is to put invoice numbers in the computer, tag and put out on the shelf. I enjoy doing that. Unfortunately, I have a small sales goal for each day. Now I'm starting to understand why some people that deal with the public seem to have a dull personality. It's because of these dimwits that think they know everything. I wish I could stay in the back and just do my invoicing but no....

Oh well.. like they always say... you can't have your cake and eat it to.

Twas the night before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads. And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash,Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, and he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. He had a broad face and a little round belly,That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Christmas dinner

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you had enough to eat. I sure did. This year we all met over at my sisters house in Rockingham. Each year we take turns on everybodys house to meet, fellowship, laugh and EAT... EAT...EAT. We had a super good time and the food was excellent. To everyone who cooked... a big thanks.
Now lets turn this around a little...I'm sure Shelly button is gonna choke me over this but I told her that it will something to laugh about later on in life.

I was sitting here at my computer talking to a client on the phone and Shelly comes in and sits down. Well she was pretty calm at the moment but as I wrapped up the phone call she filled me in. A couple of days ago she wanted me to ask what she needed to bring to the Christmas dinner... which was dinner rolls and cranberry sauce. Ever since I've known Shelly... she has always been meticulous about...um... well everything. Well not this time. She even had this whole week off... anyhoo... after my phone call ended, she said, I completely forgot... I was suppose to get dinner rolls and cranberry sauce. It was 8pm Christmas eve night. So we rushed out the door to see if any of the grocery stores would be open. I told her to take it easy, surely Walmart would open. CLOSED.... all of them. I thought this whole thing was pretty darn funny myself but she was so frustrated. I told her to either forget about it or buy some hot dog buns from a convenience store and toast em up... I know that feeling though. You think have it taken care of and then at the last moment you remember the stores being closed. It all worked out though. Once we got to Moms, she had everything we needed and nobody never knew anything about it....Yup... that's my woman.

Hero performed by Michael Israel in New York

Take a few minutes to watch this. I find it very touching.

Times of Technology

Like it or not we are living in the times of of technology. It amazes me with some of the neat devices that are available for purchase. Every now and then I even like to browse around a few of the stores that sell all of these electronics. It seems odd when I talk to some of the guys I work with, which are only 18-23. They have no clue what it's like to live without a cell phone. I'm serious. I can honestly say that I would even feel a little strange without my cell phone. Times are definitely changing... day by day. Heck... cell phones are so popular these days that people will call home and tell their spouse or parents something and they will sitting in their own drive way. Oh and just so you don't miss your call, you can get set up on blue tooth. I'm not sure exactly how that works but I do know it makes you look like you are turning into a robot with that silly device sticking in your ear.
We don't even need maps any more. We have GPS systems that will tell you if you're going the right direction or turn around if you make a wrong turn. It goes on and on and on.... Electronics are everywhere... not that it's a bad thing but it just a big change in the way us humans do things from day to day. There are all kinds of gadgets we can buy that does things I use to think was crazy and will never happen. Whats my point? Nothing really... I just wanted to talk about it... that's about it.

Check this out...

December

So here we are... December is here and Christmas is upon us. Out of all months of the year it is this month that I love the most. My mind is constantly flooded with good memerioes when December comes around... This is the time of year when all the stations are playing Christmas music... all the lights are on peoples homes and a tree blinking in a window or the door way. It seems as if this time of year brings out the better attitudes in most people. Families put their busy life's to the side and gather to share their greatest moments, future plans and their love for one another. What a great way to be. I've always wondered why folks can't be like this year round. I've also wondered where in the world did Santa come on the seen. I mean it's really ok to give presents, but that's not the meaning of Christmas. If you want to teach your kids or whoever about Santa then fine...go ahead... just as long as you stress the fact that Christmas is all about a birthday.... and that birthday belongs to Jesus, who is Christ the Lord. That's what Christmas is all about.

Something to talk about...

Boy ole boy ...let me tell you...when I'm old and frail-weak in the tail... I'm gonna have a lot to think back on. I guess I can call this the C.G.E which will stand for Cycle Gear Experience. Well, since Cycle gear is a retail store.... I am having a time trying to learn every area of my job. I've never worked at a retail store before so that there should say a mouth full...First of all, I'm probably the one that's giving myself the most grief but I get so frustrated when I have to tell people to be patient with me... I'm learning and I don't know the answer to their questions. Also, I must say, I am having to learn this crap all on my own. There is only one other person that knows how to do everything and she only works 2 days a week. My Team Leader, which is what they call the manager over the store....absolutely sucks at training. He is extremely knowledgeable about everything in the store but he just don't have what it takes to teach. Well that's all for know.... stay tuned as the quest for C.G.E continues.... maybe next time I write, I'll have a few tricks under my belt.

Thought of the day

I've been thinking about something.... we all know that McDonalds, Hardees and Burger King are well known for their burgers.....right..... but they sell chicken. Whether it be chicken tenders, chicken sandwich or in Hardees case, all of the above and fried chicken. My thoughts are...... when in world are Bojangles, KFC and Chic-Filia gonna start selling cheeseburgers......


Just a thought.

An amazing year

It's hard to believe 2007 is almost over but in a few more weeks it will be a new year. Before I take this story in another direction, I would like to make mention of a few things that 2007 has brought my way.

• Blogging- It was late January when I started writing in this blog. I can' t begin to tell you how much I enjoy writing stories. I still have a lot of stories to share but I am also looking to take my stories to another level. I like to go back and read them sometimes because I can see how I've improved as a writer. When I started this blog, I had a hard time with misspellings and using the wrong words but the one thing I don't ever want to change is the character of my stories. I have had many compliments on my writing... and to all of you a huge thank you. It makes my heart melt when I hear those words. I will never get tired of hearing positive feedback. My sister told me a long time ago... just don't take the Bunn out of it. I also don't want to write using big words or trying to sound high and mighty. To me you just can't enjoy a good ole story if you don't know what the words mean. I just want my stories to be emotional, comical and just plain ole simple. Hey, you don't find articles in the Charlotte Observer saying.... dadgum or dadburn it..butt cheeks or who farted.... that's 100% Bunn.
• House- I don't remember the exact date but it was in early to mid January when Shelly and I bought our first home together.
• Friends- this is something I absolutely don't want to leave out. I have met some amazing new people and come back in contact with all my friends that I thought I would never hear from again. This has been the greatest highlight of this year by far.
• Vulcan- I turned in my notice at Vulcan Materials Co in August. I worked with Vulcan for almost ten years.
• School- I started going to school in October.
• Website- I never thought I would have my own website but I do. http://www.designsbybunn.com/

Over all it has been a great year. I'm sure by tomorrow morning I'll have something else thought of that I should have wrote. That's the way it always goes...

2007 will go down in history as an amazing year for me. So much has happened. Eventually I will get around to writing about it... you can bet your butt cheeks on it....

Weekend

Brrrrrr.... it's cold outside..... I'm sure some people are still walking around in a t-shirt but not me, I'm more cold natured than most women. To be honest, I think I'm ready for cold weather... it gives me all the reasons in the world to stay at home. Then I don't feel so bad for sitting around the house all day... besides, I have plenty to keep me busy. I can practice and study photoshop, do some writing and practice my new video editing software. Shelly's brother Alan came over Saturday night and we installed Adobe premier on my computer. I have been wanting some video editing software for a while and Alan was kind enough to share what he uses. That was soooo cool of him to do that and I can't thank him enough.
I bought a DV camcorder a few years ago but since I didn't have any way to put them on a DVD, I just quit using it. I just don't want a disc with the same images as my camcorder, there is to much hand shake and the famous.... thought it was off but it's really on and you're recording everything upside down.... I think most everybody does that from time to time. I have seen some video tapes that will bout make you sick to watch.... with the way their hands are moving or flying around from place to place. With this program, I can delete all that crap and get on with the good stuff. You can do all kinds of things but bear with me... I have to teach myself how to use this program so it might be a little while before I can make a some good videos. Now that I have software to edit video, I have plans to hopefully make movies of family gatherings and whatnot. I just need to play around and figure out the best settings and all that good stuff. I did throw a little something together though. The quality looks kinda bad but like I said, trial and error.... I will eventually figure this program out and then I will have another hobby to add to my stay up all night list. Later in life I can look back on this video and see how much I've progressed. So here it is... my first video. Hope you enjoy and don't forget to turn up the volume. The video is below and it's called a couple of crazy dogs.

A Couple of Crazy Dogs

Mom and her two crazy dogs....

Let it rain now

Looks like we are finally getting some much needed rain. This has got to be the worst drought I've ever seen. Normally I get a little down when it rains but this year I have actually been wanting it to rain. We need it anyway... I remember watching the news about 3 months ago and they were talking about the drought and the shortage of water. Then they went on to talk about a small town in Tennessee where they were only allowed to use water during a certain time of the day. And the time frame was only 3 hours. Hopefully we won't get to that extreme but if we do, we will all see how much water is valuable to us.

Schools out!

They say times flies when you're having fun and the way my first quarter of classes went, I would say that statement is true. I remember my first night in class like it was yesterday. Well I have come a long way that's for sure. I had two drawing classes and a computer applications which basically was Microsoft word, excel and power point. This was a good starter but I'm already looking forward to my next quarter. I will begin working with photoshop and a little video editing.

I know you are going to think girlish of me when I say this but guess what... I don't care.... I felt a little sad this week because I knew time was coming to an end... even though it's just three weeks. What can I say... I love to learn new things. See I'm not an ordinary student at the Art Institute, while everybody was in a hurry to get the heck out of class when it was over, I stayed and made conversations with the instructors. A little friendliness goes a long way in case you didn't know that already. Now I have a good friendship with one instructor, an invitation to see another instructors art gallery and all the assistance I can stand from another. As time goes on, classes will get tougher and I'm sure the new will wear off but for now, I'm just going to waller around in all these good feelings.

Last Week

I can't believe it... next week is the last week of my 1st quarter at The Art Institute. I will have a 3 week vacation before I start my next quarter. I must say, I'm feeling a little sad. I am really having a good time in school. I have started making a few friends and even making friends with the instructors. Not a bad idea at all when they all have jobs in the industry they teach. My first class started off a little rusty but I am breaking off big chunks of rust each and every night I have class. The other night, one of the Culinary Arts instructors came in the class and said in 4 mins, there will be a dessert buffet available.....3mins...2mins...1min.. open mouth ....WOWZERS.... I thought my eyes were gonna roll backwards. It was different then what I was thinking but very tasty. After that it was back to the class for a little touch up work on a power point presentation. Now I get to stand before the class and talk about my band as I show the presentation... this should be fun!!!!

Frosty

Well it looks like we are all set for Christmas. All of my favorite Christmas cartoons have already been aired. This past Friday (7th) Shell bell and I made a pot of coffee and lit a few candles to make the house feel nice and cozy and watched Frosty the Snowman and Rudolf the Red Nose
Reindeer. These cartoons bring back so many memories. I don't think I will ever get tired of watching them. Christmas just doesn't feel the same for me if don't get to watch my toons...


Frosty the Snowman...Was a jolly happy soul...With a corncob pipe and a button nose..And two eyes made out of coal
Frosty the Snowman...Is a fairytale they say...He was made of snow But the children know How he came to life one day

There must have been some magic In that old silk hat they found...For when they placed it on his head He began to dance around...

Frosty the Snowman...Was alive as he could be... And the children say He could laugh and play...Just the same as you and me...
Frosty the Snowman...Knew the sun was hot that day...So he said let's run..And we'll have some fun..Now before I melt away...
Down to the village..With a broomstick in his hand..Running here and there all around the square...Saying catch me if you can...

He led them down the streets of townRight to the traffic cop...And he only paused a moment when...He heard him holler stop...
Frosty the Snowman...Had to hurry on his way...But he waved goodbye..Saying don't you cry I'll be back again some day ...

Thumpety thump thumpThumpety thump thump..Look at Frosty go..
Thumpety thump thumpThumpety thump thump..Over the hills of snow

In memory of...

You know... I really don't know what to say when I look at this... if you have ever heard, a picture says a thousand words, then you heard wrong... in this case a picture says a million words. My mind is going crazy thinking of everything this picture reminds me of. Tell me something... just please tell me why in the world things happen the way they do. I'm not going to explain what I'm talking about or why this picture has so much value. The people in my family that see this will know exactly what I mean. All I want is to take this picture again with the same people....but that is not possible. I'm just at a loss of words... but it's ok, I don't have to say anything since this picture says a million words.

I do have a few words of advice though, cherish every moment you have with those you love. I'm sure I'm speaking for everyone in my family when I say... We love and miss you ... For those of you who are not with us... your presence would be the only gift we need.

I can only imagine what it would be like if we could all get together. To all my family a great big hug and I love you . This one is dedicated to you rose...

I don't know why I fell like this but from time to time, I almost feel like it's not fair for me to talk about how much fun I'm having... or just plain happiness from anything really. I guess what I'm saying is... here I am... sitting at the house, just as happy as I can be and I start thinking about my cousin Sean, who is over in Iraq fighting for our freedom while his wife Meilani is at home with their 3 children. Then there is my friend Clint who is leaving out December 1st on his way for Iraq, leaving behind his wife Amy and 2 children. Not to mention their other family and friends.

You know, if it wasn't for people like my cousin Sean and my friend Clint, we would not be able to do the things we do. Freedom has always come with a heavy price. Think about it, we can wake up, go out to eat, go shopping or take a nice trip out of town... all while they're risking their lives 24-7. It is really sad to think about the way times are these days.

Let me challenge you to something. If you happen to see any soldiers around in uniform, how about taking a minute out of your so-called busy life, go over and tell them you appreciate what they are doing for the country, and when you pray, thank God for the military because I'm telling you... when we all sit down and have our family Christmas dinner and pass out presents or whatever kind of jolly you do around this time of year or any other time of year, always remember that we have family and friends fighting so we can do these things.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

I sure hope you were able to catch the Charlie Brown Christmas that was on last Tuesday night. This is my favorite Christmas show along with Frosty the Snowman, The Grinch and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. These cartoons mean so much to me. Shelly loves to watch them too so every year we anxiously wait for these cartoons to come on. Unfortunately, this year I was in class during the time it was aired. Thanks goodness for a VCR and yes you heard me right.... I said VCR. I don't watch enough television to have tivio (however the heck you spell it) hooked up. What a special night though.....when I got home from work Shell melt said.... I have the perfect plan...let's grab a bite to eat, come back home and watch our Christmas cartoons. The cartoons were Charlie Brown Christmas, Shrek the Halls which was actually really good... and The Grinch. When we got home we lit the fireplace, made some coffee and sat down to watch some of our favorite Christmas cartoons. What a special cozy night. I am so glad this cartoon still gets aired. Doesn't it give you a warm fuzzy feeling inside when Linus stands up and reads Luke 2: 8-14. If you don't know then ... allow me to share:



8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.



If you missed the show then worry no more, sit back, relax and enjoy. The ole bunny has it all worked out for you.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Clint Neeley and Family

In this journey we call life, it amazes me how we bump into all kinds of people. To some we give the nod of hello, some are a hand shake and some are just another face in the crowd. The person or people I would like to tell you about are way beyond a nod, hand shake or another face in the crowd. The people I'm talking about are the kind that can have an everlasting effect to your life...

Almost a year after graduating high school, I started going to a church in Rockingham by the name of Maple Street Free Will Baptist. I was working 3rd shift in a yarn mill and my life was just getting started in the real world. I knew sooner or later I would make a few friends but little did I know I was about to make a friend that would have that everlasting effect I was just telling you about. His name is Clint Neeley.

After church service one night he walked over and asked me if I'd be interested in grabbing a bite to eat with him and Amy... and the rest is as they say, history.

At this moment in time, Clint was the manager of a Captain D's fast food restaurant where he worked along with Amy. Not long after that, he was hired as the manager of a Burger King, then got into insurance several months later. Clint remained in the insurance business for several years... married Amy... and then joined the police force a couple years after being married.

As for me, I was single at the time and really confused about so many things, it's a wonder Clint would even consider me as a friend. Clint and I would still get together to hang out from time to time and although our friendship was good, something was missing from my end. To make a long story short, I just didn't know where my place in this world was and desperately needed to find it. So I moved. You know how it goes, you start making another way of life and it's easy to get caught up in everything. He had his life going here and mine seemed to be going there.... you can easily lose contact even when you're only a couple hours away. If you've ever experienced a true friendship from someone, then you know they're hard to find.

After a reopening of My Space, I quickly noticed Amy's profile and knew this was my chance to get back to the good ole days with my friends. A few clicks here and there and it was all set up. Next thing you know were cutting up again.

Clint and Amy just celebrated their 12th anniversary with their two kids Caleb and Cameron. Clint is a Sgt. with the Hamlet police department and will be leaving December 1st for Iraq. Looks like my timing was good. As I write this story, I can't help but to think of the good memories we had. It's a little strange you know.... I never imagined a friendship like this would emerge from an invitation to Hardees....an invitation I'm glad I responded to.

God speed Clint, I know you can handle the journey that lies ahead of you. I'm sure your family will be open arms when you return. This story is dedicated to Clint Neely... a true friend I would trust with my life... his wife Amy, Caleb his son and Cameron his daughter. Thanks for everything.