Bums. They are such lazy bums and I bet most of them are not legitimate bums yet, but they do get to retain the title of lazy.

As I drove to work this morning, I noticed that on their corner on the off ramp of Sam Cooper and Highland, the vagrants' typical post was no longer vacant. For the past couple of months, the guy selling newspapers must have run the whole lot of them off for I have not seen any of them in awhile. Yet, this morning, there was one who had a sign.

Professional bums must have quite the exciting life because they seem to be always "on the road". According to the sign's verbiage, they are hungry (in the richest, fattest per capita country in the world) and they are cold (they must have left their spring sign at home), but I sure do envy their ability to travel the open road. Essentially, they get to be out in the great spring weather while people throw money at them while I get to spend my entire day slowly wilting underneath artificial lighting– a fate that I had to work for years to attain!

If people want to toss their money out the window, hey, that's fine. It's like gambling but without the incessant, mind-altering ringing of slot machines or the pocket change payouts. But it just won't be me when it comes to losing money to a "man" who has the ability to stand on a corner and hold a sign– and no, I don't classify that as "working for a living", though no doubt he makes more money than I did sacking groceries for $4.35 an hour.

I would think there are some rules of etiquette when it comes to being a professional bum. For example, when a driver, oh let's just say me, has his window rolled down, it may very well because it is a pretty day outside and he just wants to rock to his favorite Metallica song "Whiskey in the Jar". The driver is neither indicating that he has the desire to toss his money into the wind nor is he looking to engage in conversation while he's stuck behind two cars at a stop sign. With this in mind, along with noting the non-inviting countenance of the driver along with the blaring rock music, a bum should consider that perhaps his presence is unwanted and he should not now be standing within three feet of the window.

Furthermore, when the driver refuses to relinquish his money by a simple statement "I don't have anything" with the hidden emphasis of "for you", then he should take that in stride and realize how he can improve his results next time, perhaps by doing a little dance (disco maybe), playing a guitar (Dylan will never be overdone), or bringing along a monkey (everybody likes a good monkey).

Generally, I would not fathom that it would be particularly wise for the begger to give the ol' one finger salute as the driver drives on for it will only negatively affect his opportunities with the upcoming motorists and chances are, the driver who the bum just waved his "approval" just might respond in turn and may even toss a few kind words in the vagrant's direction. That's no way to run a business!

If only there was an official book of etiquette for required reading within the ring of conmen in the city of Memphis.

We had both done the math. Kelly added it all up. She knew she had to let me go. I added it all up- knew that I had...had lost her... because I was never going to get off that island. I was going to die there, totally alone. I was going to get sick or get injured.

The only choice I had, the only thing I could control, was when and how, and where that was going to happen. And so, I made a rope, and I went up to the summit to hang myself. I had to test it, you know, of course, you know me. And the weight of the log, snapped the limb of the tree so I couldn't even kill myself the way I wanted to... I had power over nothing.

And that's when this feeling came over me like a warm blanket. I knew, somehow, that I had to stay alive, somehow. I had to keep breathing. Even though there was no reason to hope. And all my logic said I would never see this place again. So that's what I did. I stayed alive. I kept breathing. And one day that logic was proven all wrong because that tide came in and gave me a sail.

And now here I am. I'm back, in Memphis, talking to you. I have ice in my glass. And I've lost her all over again. And I'm so sad that I don't have Kelly. But I'm so grateful that she was with me on that island. And I know what I have to do now. Gotta keep breathing. Because tomorrow the sun will rise. Who knows what the tide could bring.

-Tom Hanks in Castaway

Crossroads. It is a good analogy to make to this spot in my life. I have the choice before me to choose among a few, long, dusty roads with paths that soon get lost in the horizon. The only way I know I can no longer travel, is the path behind me.

Lisa and I have been continuing to talk with one another, yet our interaction has become increasingly deteriorated to the point in which we have both been overwhelmingly frustrated. She did not know how to handle the situation between the two of us. Her heart had moved on to another man whereas mine stayed true. This vexed her at times, for she would think that she left me behind.

I made a proposal that upon my honor if she so desired I would make no strides in contacting her any more, yet if she needs help she can look for me. It was something that was quite arduous to offer for she is a part of me, yet I knew it was something I wanted to freely give to her because her life is going well and I did not want to be an obstruction to that happiness.

Last night, she called and took me up on the offer.

When you said time was all you really needed
I walked away and let you have your space
Cuz leavin' didn't hurt me near as badly
As the tears I saw rollin' down your face
And yesterday I knew just what you wanted
When you came walkin' up to me with him
So I told you that I was happy for you
And given the chance I'd lie again
Just to see you smile
I'd do anything
That you wanted me to
And all is said and done
I'd never count the cost
It's worth all that's lost
Just to see you smile

-Tim McGraw Just To See You Smile

What thoughts do I have to share in today's edition? It's hard to top yesterday's blog for it is a brief overview of the culmination and implementation of several months of planning. So if you have not read May 1st , don't waste your time reading this date any further because it is garbage!

As I write this, I am listening to David Helpling's Between Green and Blue album. The track in particular is "Plateau" and it provides a smooth ambience. I enjoy the non-vocal new-age genre. Oh, what the heck, you're my prized audience, allow me to share a secret to my upcoming plans for apartment decor: piping similar music on a near 24-7 basis. One just might hypothesize that I spent too much time working at the now-defunct World of Science! I have brainstormed several ideas I would like to implement in the new living space, though much of the character depends on its availability at a reasonable price with respect to the funds available. I shall dive into the depths of my imagination and approach the solution in manners which are not typically considered. It should hold the ambience of a soothing environment while acting as a catalyst toward adventures within the deep recesses of one's cognizance. I hope to emphasize the olfactory, auditory, and visual experiences. One might say that I am just not one who seemingly uses pizza delivery boxes for ornamentation. Of course, all of these ideas and theories mean nothing if I do not find appropriate methodologies to bring them to reality.

To certain extent, I should apply the old adage of "don't count your chickens before they are hatched" for the apartment management group is in the process of running a credit check on me. Granted, there's a large success rate that I will be approved, but one should keep in mind possible setbacks in order to handle future events more effectively.