This guy votes...

One of my new favorite sites on the world wide web is www.failblog.org. Some of the pictures on there are probably doctored in some way, This one, however, appears to be all too legit...

The Power of Advertising

I feel like a tool... I bought the LG Shine phone. You know, the one that Brody and Lauren from The Hills advertise. I feel like a tool because I like to think I am above the power of advertising - especially advertising that involves characters from a show like The Hills. But clearly I am not. I will say that the phone is pretty sweet. I will also say that I had no idea who Brody and Lauren are until after I decided to buy the phone. I just thought they were a random commercial actor and actress. I had no idea they were part of one of the most rediculous "reality" shows on tv. In any event, I am now well equipped to check out hot girls as they walk past me while sitting outside with my equally hot girlfriend while she applies lip gloss. My life is complete.

Singing At Work

Whenever I have a song stuck in my head (which is most of the time), I can often be heard singing said song out loud. The bad thing is that I have been told by more than one person that I "shouldn't quit my day job" or "American Idol is safe" or insert your own critical comment about someone's less than stellar singing voice. Oh well... an accountant can't be fired for having bad pitch, right?

For the record, today's song is from the new Coldplay album. I am not sure what the name of the song is, but this one line is stuck in my head. I am not even sure if the lyrics I am singing are right...
Oh well... an accountant can't be fired for singing the wrong lyrics, right?

Odd Things Seen in Bathrooms

I am sure we all have stories that could be filed under the title of this post. But I want to share with you one of the oddest things I have seen in a bathroom in a long time. Food crumbs. Yep... someone was eating while on the porcelain throne. I know this because the crumbs were on the floor in one of the stalls. Now this is bad enough in and of itself, but keep in mind that this is the bathroom here at work. Clean as it may be, it is not suitable for luncheons and dinner parties.

Because people are sick of reading about Londontown...

Yeah... I am back. A friend of mine who does not typically read my blog was reading it the other day when I called her, and she was a little annoyed that I didn't have any fresh content. So here goes.

First, price elasticity. In one of my college economics classes, I learned about price elasticity. It is the basis for things being priced at $6.99 instead of $7.00. For some reason, seeing a 6 instead of a 7 makes it easier to buy a given product. I balked at the concept because I am so much smarter and more sophisticated than to be lured into a purchase that way. But I tell you what, if gas is selling for $3.93, I am not nearly as upset as when it is selling for $4.01. I can't believe I am happy for $3.93 gas. This is the world we live in.

Second, surprise birthday gifts. I just received a phone call from our mailroom informing me that I had flowers to pick up. Flowers? Really? I was shocked. First because flowers are not a normal gift for men to receive. Second, who would send me anything of the sort? I am not dating anyone... I have not been on a date in a long time (like over a year)... so who would see fit to send me flowers? Turns out, it is a plant... and it is from my parents. It is partially for my birthday, and partially because I have a new office with a window. It was a nice surprise, actually.

So there you have it - two random Toddatello stories in one day.

Baxter... I will take you down to foggy Londontown.

I am in London. I have been here for a little over three days. Well, actually I am in Wimbeldon because that is where my friend Dovie lives. Another dear friend of mine (who never reads my blog and I am fine with this fact), Catha, is also here. Furthermore, the legendary Jason Bailey joined in on the fun. He is now gone, but Dovie, Catha, and I are just chillin' on this lovely Sunday morning (which is actually closer to Sunday noon).

Anyway, we have had a right jolly good time so far. As soon as I arrived, Jason, Catha, and I went to see the famed Wimbeldon tennis courts. We went to the museum... and because we were with Bailey, we ended up going for free. Things like that just happen with him. When I used to live in England, I loved watching the Wimbeldon tournament on TV, so going there was definitely a good way to kick off the trip.

That night we went to the Absolute Ice Bar. (Renee - you would love this place). It is a bar where everything is made of ice - even the glasses. They give you a poncho to wear during your 50 minute stay... and the price of admission includes a drink. Good times, indeed! Following the Ice Bar, we had a delicious dinner... then we topped the night off with a visit to a pub.

The highlight of the trip so far has been our visit to see some of Dovie's friends who live in Brighton (which is right on the southern coast). Meeting and visiting with this couple was such a blessing. They truly just love life... and Jesus. They opened up their home to us... cooked for us... and cracked us up with stories and whatnot. Great times.

OK... this post is far too long already. Stay tuned for part two. Of course, at my current posting rate, that may not turn up until mid-fall.

Because People Like to Say Salsa

On Sunday, I cleaned out the fridge in my apartment. Since I have been in Canada for the past 7 months, it has accumulated various items that should have been discarded long ago. My roommate has known this, but (understandably) it is has just been easier to ignore the issue. I could not ignore it, however, because I was used to a very lean and clean fridge in Calgary.

During the cleansing process, I discovered that we have 8 jars of salsa in our fridge. Eight jars. EIGHT! I mean that is just crazy. The cause of this phenomenon is multiple parties/gatherings that have been held in our apartment over the past 6-9 months. Being that we live in Texas and that my roommate has started a ministry that is connected to a country in central America... these gatherings tend to involve Tex Mex fare. Hence... salsa galore.

And to be fair, we have mild, medium, and hot... green and red... as well as a variety of brands. So if you are in need of salsa, stop by and I can hook you up.

I'm Applying to the Food Network

I made dinner for myself last night, and then brought the left overs for lunch today. The meal consists of pot-stickers and fried rice with mushrooms, shrimp, and imitation crab meat. I heated the food up on a plate and brought it to my office. Upon my arrival in my office that I share with two other people, I was asked where I went to get my lunch.

So clearly, my food LOOKS professionally made... and that is all you need for TV, right?

Iron Chef, here I come...

Weekend Update...

This was my last weekend in Calgary. I will still be here for two more weeks, but I will not be here on the weekends anymore (unless I foot the bill). This post will be longer than most as I have a lot to cover...

I spent Friday evening at my Calgary Sendoff party - thrown by some wonderful ladies I have met during my time up here. One of them gave me the nickname Texas Todd, and they all enjoyed the fact that someone else gave me the nickname Louisiana Heat. So as a going away gift, they gave me a shirt that has Texas Todd on the front and Louisiana Heat on the back. There is also a large Canadian flag on the back. Good times. There was a lot of discussion about how big the shirt was, and they thought I would be offended by that. But then it fit me quite well... but it is a LARGE shirt. So I am not sure what that says about me. But stories were told (one involved a zombie on a toilet and another involved mutated jelly fish killing Seatle) and good times were had.

On Saturday, I took off to Banff for a hike. I hiked Johnston's Canyon while listening to worship music. There were a few times when I could be heard singing... and seen raising my hands. It was a great time for me. The hike lasted two hours, but I pray that some of the moments will last in my memory for years to come.

Then I headed into town for lunch. I decided to just pick a place and hope it was good. I picked a winner. Cafe Soleil satisfied me in every way that food can. I kept commenting to the waiter how good everything was. When I sat down, I didn't intend to get dessert... but since the food was so good, I said why not? Man... the dessert was as good if not better than the meal. I highly recommend this place. I am still happy about it.

That night, I went to a birthday party at a Mexican restaurant. I had heard that there was no good Mexican food to be had in Calgary, but this was good stuff. The margarita left a lot to be desired, but the food was very authentic... more Mexican than TexMex. But the best part of the night was the salsa lessons (because people like to say salsa). I learned Cuban style salsa... and had a blast.

Sunday morning I was an hour late for church (totally confused the time). I missed the singing portion, but heard the sermon... and it was solid.

So all in all, not a bad way to spend my last weekend in Calgary.

Looks can be deceiving...

Notice the before and after reactions of the judges...


Britians Got Talent Opera Singer - Watch the top videos of the week here

Location, location, location...

The following words were just said in my presence in mixed company in my office...

Penis
Vagina
Hermaphrodite
Sperm

The person who can guess what was being discussed wins a prize.

Airports & Imaginations

On Saturday, I arrived at the airport at 1:30 to pick up my friends who were supposed land around 1:45. Well, when I got there, I saw this young dude holding a huge bouquet of flowers. He was looking anxiously at the door where passengers from all US flights must pass through. I was intrigued by this because he clearly was expecting someone special.

He realized that the object of his affection was not arriving as soon as he expected, so he took a seat in some chairs that faced the above mentioned passages way. My intrigue continued to grow. At one point, I could see a huge smile on his face... but he was trying to be cool about it. Someone commented on his flowers, and he fought hard not to show how excited he was.

So I sat waiting... for my friends, of course... but also for this couple to be united. I had the whole scenario planned out in my head. I even texted a friend of mine who I knew would appreciate the story. She informed me that we were both weird for being so interested... and I agreed. But it was just so much fun for me.

Alas, the love of this guy's life arrived after I had already left... so I am not sure if her enthusiasm was a great as his. But the friend I texted is convinced that he proposed there in the airport... and they will live happily ever after. I like this ending, actually... so we will go with it.

And as promised, here are some pics from the weekend. If I had a camera, I would have taken a picture of flower dude... but again, I don't own one. (hint, hint)

Weekend Update...

This weekend, my college roommate and his lovely wife came up for a visit. The weekend could not really have gone any better than it did …except for the overwhelming tea house we popped into on Sunday night. I thought Teresa’s head was going to explode as she considered the 50+ tea varieties available to her. It was a bit on the stressful side, for sure. We ended up walking out of the place with a peanut butter cookie for Philip instead.

But we did have a great day on the slopes. We went to Sunshine Village because it is known for still having great snow even this late in the season. When we arrived, it was pretty icy, but as the sun did its work… the snow softened up and by the end of the day, we had some great skiing conditions to work with. The wind, however, was relentless. There was a moment when I just had to sit down because the wind was about to blow me over. Phil and I considered taking the final lift up to the very top… but we reconsidered it as the wind picked up. We both agreed that such a final run would not be as fun as we would like.

We ended the trip at Diner Deluxe. I was worried I had oversold the place to them… but judging by their reactions, it was a hit. Phil had banana stuffed chocolate French toast. Come on, right? It tasted even better than it sounds.

Old friends really are the best. I have known Philip for about 12 years, and anytime we get together, things just flow. And as I said to someone else… old friends who bring with them new friends (like spouses) are even better.

Stay tuned as I hope to put some pics up from the weekend. Since I don’t have a camera, I will have to steal the pics from their blog.

(So if anyone feels sorry for me for not having a camera… my birthday is in July.)

It has been one of those days...

... when I just want to sit in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee and my Bible and let the Lord minister to me through His Word. But instead, I have been putting out fires all day here at work (some of which were started by me).

Thanks Adam and Eve.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow... or make it stop.

It is snowing like crazy this morning...

My first thought when I walked out of my bedroom into the living room was, "you've got to be kidding me." I was totally not expecting it because I barely needed a jacket last night when I walked home.

My next thought was how pretty the snow is. I have said it before, but it is still true... snow is just a cool thing. I thought I was over it, but really I am not. I did, however, quickly make the decision to walk to work in the +15 - not because of the temperature... but simply because I didn't want to be covered in snow. Even in the two blocks from my apartment to the closest +15 entrance, I had more snow on me than I wanted.

A woman I work with lives about 45 minutes away from the office… it took her 2.5 hours to get to work. Wow! And keep in mind, it is April 10th.

I thought the snow was done, but clearly my Texas thinking was flawed on that matter.

What a game...

I made it home just as I expected - with moments to spare before the game started. And what a great game it was. The spread never exceeded 10 points. It was tight from beginning to end... Chalmers' shot to tie it up... overtime... Kansas taking the win. All around, a good time.

I wonder if the Defense Lady was at the game. Perhaps she should have yelled a bit louder this time. In any event, I am sure she was very proud of her Tigers - as well she should be.

Until next March 2009...

A Watched Clock...

I am running a report that I have to send to our Houston office before I leave tonight. At the same time, I am anxiously awaiting the NCAA final game between Kansas and Memphis. The report is almost done... but then I have a solid 10 minute walk home. So what should put me on my couch just moments before tip off.

Ah... the report is on its last phase. The screen is jumping around just slightly - my clue that it is almost done.

Sports are not a huge deal for me... but for some reason, I really enjoy watching the Tournament. So I have cut a few corners here at work (none that amount to anything, really) to get finished tonight. Oh... I think the report is done.

See y'all...

Adios!

Out and About

My camera phone dose not take great pictures, but I used it recently to capture the following images.

This one is from a gas pump at a gas station in my home town:



I am so glad they clarified what prepay means. I would have been completely lost and unable to fill up my car other wise... As one of my friends said when I sent him this picture - I don't know if these people should have access to flammable liquids.


This one... well, I just have to ask why? Why? What possible reason would someone have for doing this to any vehicle?

The Power of Advertising

I have no idea if Mr. Sub makes tasty sandwiches or not, but I sure want to try one. These two commercials cracked me up...

In the vernacular...

Question:
Which of the following sentences rolls off the tongue easier?

"We will use y'alls numbers in our calculation."

"We will use your guys's numbers in our calculation."

Answer:

It depends on the address of the house you grew up in, I guess.


As you can imagine, this southern boy get no small amount of flack for my constant use of the work y'all. But I have noticed that the Canucks sound just as strange to me when they say "your guys's." So in the end, I guess we're even.


[But be honest... "y'all" just works better]