Just when you get comfortable....

Its that time of year again and the rhetoric is amping up.

What dear T are you referring to you might ask...

Spring Training? (Hope springs eternal, but not in Seattle)

New Springsteen record?

Fergie and Josh got married?

Nope, gentle readers, now is the time of year where my ex and I argue about money.

The amount her highness gets is really a pretty simple equation. And this year even simpler than most because I can't get a raise, so really it should be exactly the same as last year... but really the only thing that will be the same is that she's gonna act all entitled, disagree about how to get to her % and somehow assume that just because I'm making the same or less as last year, she should somehow be getting more. And while the discussion can generally start after my last paycheck in February - this year she's already started. For the record, last year it didn't get settled until almost May.

What does this mean? Well, it means that for the next two months I'm going to be in this constant vortex of bitchy negativity. I'll be a pain to be around. Coping in ways that aren't great for my health. And always a bit distracted. And often afraid to check my email, knowing that the latest round of character assassinations are just around the corner.

I know its coming. I can see it. I hope that this year I can do a better job of not getting sucked in. Unfortunately, when I stay above the fray, she plays dirty and gets our kids involved.

The other day someone said something to the effect of "I wish she'd never entered our lives." I have two great kids that I wouldn't have otherwise so I would never say that, and I always stop others and remind them of that fact. But that aside, times like this, I have to agree with a good friends assessment. She is a "#$N@"!

For the record, today I found another $7000 dollars that I've overpaid her over the years. Combine that with previous findings and its getting close to more than my salary for a year.

No wonder I'm not rich. I only have to pay her for 17 months more. Of course I fully expect she'll try to take me to court around then to extend it. How else will she live?

Vodka Hahn,
T

Bookmark This!

Free time has been at a real premium lately. Just keeping up with the daily news has been a struggle, especially because there is just so darn much of it. Anyway, I'm considering making this site my startup page. It has a quick glance at all you need to know about the nations news on a daily basis.

Keep up to date. Yes we can!

Gin Hahn,
T

New Year, New links

I'm not very thoughtful today.

I'll start by passing a few links that I've enjoyed.

Jay-Z + Radiohead = Jaydiohead. Sweet! (Thanks JB)

Miss the old days? This site will bring you back to the christmas of my youth - if you don't like the first show to come up, get up and change the channel.

Artie Lange is in rehab, again. That's a bummer. Again.

Facial recognition is coming to iPhoto - as well as geocoding of your photos. Cool or Big Brother? I think a little of both.

I gave these people $10 when they came to the door - I thought it was fishy, but the lady was walking around in the snow - I guess she needed the money more than I did. Some say I give my money away too freely. Resolution for 2009 - give less money away. 2010 is a lock for less financial giveaways. Countdown to freedom is now 539 days...

I'm starting to plan some spring rides. This site is a great reference - he even points out the best burger places along the way.

Peace to all in the new year-
Gin Hahn,
T

Its the end of the year as we know it...

And I feel fine!

Random thoughts for the short week.

The End. A cool Flikr photo pool of still shots of movie endings.

Thirsty? This page suggest 15 totally drinkable wines that go well with anything. And, most importantly, are affordable. Perfect for bringing to that New Years Eve party.

Ben Gibbard is marrying the chick from Elf. No link, but just thought I'd mention it. I like his tunes. And she has a cool voice too. (Okay- I lied, heres a link for him, and her.)

I'm going to place those photos of the president elect coming out of the water all Halle Berry style on the beach in Hawaii all around my home and office- I figure if he can find some time to hit the gym, maybe I can too. Or maybe its the cigarettes that keep him trim.

Yes, I do think Goliath National Bank is modeled after a real bank. have I ever told you the story of how I used to work with the guy who said Barney was modeled after him? I didn't really believe him before, but I do more now.

Most of embarrassing wast of time for me in '08? It was the 15 min we spent watching A Cappella groups on you tube the other night. Like this. If you choose to follow the link, opt for some of the male groups. Their voices are less annoying.

Which then somehow reminded me of this performance, INXS choose the right guy for their band - that JD dude was a tool and they play tooley music, but this other kid should've been a star.

Probably more to say, I'll be back another day.
Gin Hahn,
T

Links o' the week

Here they come, a few things that were interesting this week.

Time to Short Sell JPMC?

I'm upset - the store won't personalize my 3 year old's birthday cake.

Guy, you're kind of a hero to me. For $92 million, I'd even consider five years with that batshit crazy chick.

My favorite christmas tune of '08.

I was thinking of finding a way to modify my motorcycle - this seems to be a big trend in the bay area. I think my neighbors would LOVE it.

This story can't really be real. So I love that a "credible" news organization ran with it... Or maybe it is real. I suppose I'd watch an episode.

Enjoy-
Gin Hahn,
T

Setting the bar....

Okay guys, listen up.

I know the holidays are coming, and you might be panicking about what to get that special someone in your life. But don't over-panic and fuck it up for the rest of us. Or even yourself.

Sure it would be romantic to propose under the christmas tree, or buy her that stunning 3 diamond necklace, or that amazing surprise vacation to some romantic destination.

But don't do it. And here's why.

1. You'll never be able to top it. From now until the end of eternity, you'll always be trying to top Christmas '08. (This goes for Valentines Day and New Years Eve as well) And if you plan on spending a lifetime together, well...
2. I'll never be able to top it, well that's not entirely true. First off, I'm not worried about topping it, MyICE takes me as I am - bad grammar and all. But still once its out there, its out there, and these are tough times. If you go and give her an Acura, then that catholic guilt'll kick in and next thing you know I'm at the Acura dealer too.
3. You're friends'll never forgive you. 5 karat ring, push gift, Fuck You Man, its a recession.
4. Because its not that sentimental. Unless your first date was on Christmas or Valentines Day then those days don't hold any extra value to you, yet. Especially if you've never shared one together.
5. Plan this shit out. -- Look if you're a guy, gift giving is hard, dare I say impossible. We all know you aren't thoughtful - that's our little secret. Every year, you have 3 or 4 big days you have to buy a gift and be thoughtful for. Don't make that all fall in the same month. As it is, Christmas and New Years are a challenge, what happens if she has a birthday in January - you are hosed. - The best possible scenario is to be on some type of quarterly plan. - Valentines is in the first quarter, Christmas is in the last, when is her birthday? Figure that out and propose and put an anniversary in the opposite quarter. If you stick yourself with two in one month, you are guaranteed to disappoint the love of your life at least once a year. Guaranteeed!
6. Because you have enough game to get laid on special occasions as it is. You don't need to cheapen it by buying her love.

Okay- you've been warned - please don't make me say I told you so.

And ladies- if your man follows this plan, I guarantee you'll be much, much happier in the long run.

Gin Hahn,
T

PS- I wrote this with no one particular in mind, but if you think I might be writing about you, then you better follow my advice. Its for your own good. Stop the madness.

This weeks linkfest

Here are a few things I've found interesting.

Track the Pirates. Live - in real time.

I've been really digging this show... Elvis Costello Spectacle with...

Jimmy Fallon hired the Coolest Band on Earth for his show.

Ms. December 1972 was Hot!!! (NSFW - View @ your own risk)

Hitler reacts to the Apple cup. (Thanks Ross.)

Gin Hahn,
T

Back in Business

Sorry- my Blogging SW stopped working a few weeks ago and it has helped with my laziness.

Jason, have no fear - you will be immortalized soon enough.

Hope the old grey mare kicks the bucket.

Gin Hahn,
T

Dad, here's a Shocker for you...

Well, almost.

Our brilliant president is just trying to show that he's cool like all the kids.

Dad, remember the phrase two in the....

Gin Hahn,

T

We're afraid of Kim Jong Il?

Watch this video and then decide. If only all fights could be resolved like this.

Korean Baseball

Gin Hahn,

T