Tall Dark And Texan

Also I know it's double-tracked but still, I can't get a fourth of that jangle out of my six string acoustic. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

Are 12-string guitars worth it? I keep listening to this and looking up used ones on Craigslist. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

Y'all are the best. Thanks. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

So, is it weird that I feel like this Strat is too nice for me? I look at the wear I've put into the Telecaster I've owned since I was 17, the Epiphone AJ200SCE I've owned since I was 19, and the Silverburst Strat I've owned since I was 27, and I start feeling guilty about putting that type of damage into another instrument. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

2008, made in Mexico, and if this guitar has ever been played, I couldn't find any evidence. No dings, no scratches, and the frets and electronics are in excellent condition. A cleaning and new set of strings will definitely help, and it might need a setup for 10's, but other than that, the Guitar Gods definitely shined down on me today. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

New (to me) Guitar Day. A family friend of my mom's (no pics of her, or my mom), is GIVING me this Strat later today. She says she doesn't play it anymore since she bought an ESP 1000, and just wants to see the Strat find a good home. Now, I already have an HSS Strat, and red is not my favorite color, but I'm not about to turn down a free Fender Strat. I'll be back at some point with details and more pics once I get the opportunity. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

I just wanted to bump this thread and check in on everyone, and let those who care know that I'm doing alright. I'm living bunker life until I pay off my remaining student loan debt, which will happen before 2018 ends, if I don't encounter any unexpected expenses. The outside perspective might think I'm becoming a shut-in, dropping out of social situations, and suggest that I get back out there for a list of reasons, but the bunker has allowed me to sort out my finances, get back to playing my guitars, and watch sports all weekend long (at least the weekends I don't have to work). I'm still sober, still taking my medications, still on a monthly schedule with my therapist, still not letting work run me into the ground, and I'm now under 180 lbs. I don't want to dominate this thread, so I'll limit myself to monthly check-ins if that's okay with everyone.

This looks good. I'm in. This made me rewatch the Creed/Drago and Rocky/Drago fights from Rocky IV on Youtube last night, and I'm now even further in.

I enjoyed the episode. Seeing Butters as a hall monitor with an assault rifle was pretty funny.

I feel lucky to have seen The Secret Machines live three times, all with Ben in the band. The first time had them opening for Interpol, which is what introduced me to the band, and their live show completely knocked me on my ass. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

Now Here Is Nowhere by The Secret Machines. This album came out in 2004, and I have played it regularly ever since. Three piece band; drums, guitar with a lot of effects, and a lead singer who alternates between bass and keyboards. Sadly their guitarist left the band not long after their second album came out (which wasn't anywhere near as good as this one), and he tragically passed away at the end of 2013. Rest In Power, Ben, and thank you for getting me into effects. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7tLpmfj53g&list=PLF8882681F79D5892

Thanks to everyone for the feedback, and for reminding me of the fable about the Chinese farmer. I thought about that at work yesterday, and while I was packing up my things after work. I had another friend recommend that book to me as well. I'll try grab a copy when shit calms down. I was able to move out in one day. She was surprised that I got out as quickly as I did. I asked her why should I stay when it was painful enough just being there? Saw her fighting back tears when I gave her my key back. Why would she cry? It was her idea to break up. I expected some cheap joke, or a Cersi Lannister smile, and got tears instead. I held it together though. I knew that I was at the start of something new when she shut that door. I've been steadily unpacking, spent some time with some friends today, and I'm gonna see ChampKind tomorrow and eat that Butterfinger brisket of his. That will make going into work early on Monday a little less painful. I just wanted to check in. Hopefully I didn't ramble. I'm safe, sober, and I'm not planning on running through the cholas to get through this breakup either. Vic and Zepol still have that area covered. Sent from my SM-G900P using Tapatalk

That river is starting to pick up and trying to sweep me away. I just celebrated three years with Ms. Texan earlier this week, and then she dumped me last night. I couldn't really sleep, because of that, but also because work has been making me come in early this week. Now I'm just set on hour-early mode, since I'll have to go in early a few more times next week as well. I'm waiting for my parents to wake up so I can ask to move back in with them after another failed relationship. I'll grab a few boxes from work to begin packing with, and some packaging tape on my way home. Don't worry about me relapsing, OR hurting myself; if anything there will be a lot of good that comes from this. I'll be able to put more effort into my weight loss efforts (specifically having the time AND drive to exercise now, instead of simply dieting to lose weight), and I'll be saving a lot more money by living at home. Maybe I can pay off my student loans faster than I expected, or at least put a serious dent in what's left of them. That is the stuff I'm choosing to focus on at the moment; not the fact that I asked her dad for permission to marry her two weeks ago, or that I bought the ring. Or that I'm moving back in with my parents at 31. I'll set up another appointment with my therapist once this all settles down. An increased doseage of my medication also sounds like a good idea at the moment as well. I'll find a branch to cling to and use to pull myself out of this raging river, take some time to catch my breath, get my shit together, and jump back in. Again, stay strong everyone.

Anyone else get anxious as all hell before going to a social gathering? My friend had a going away party on Saturday, and it started about two hours after I got off work, and oh man, I was a total wreck for those two hours. Being one of the people who isn't drinking at a party full of people who are always feels like a test to me. Then, I got to the party and realized I was worrying about nothing. No one gave a shit that I wasn't drinking, no one pressured me into drinking, and my weight loss was noticed by a few people. Hell, even one of the people I SWORE hated me, gave me a hug as soon as she saw me. A lot of this shit's in my head. I just gotta figure out how to stop it. Oh and I'm still looking for another job, but things are improving at my current job too. Take the good anywhere I can find it. Stay strong, everyone.

Agreed. So many stories in there that just knock you on your ass.

Ohio State is still at 8-1 odds to win the National Championship. I'm curious to see what it'll fall to when Urban gets fired. I thought Vegas would've already started moving the lines on them.

That hasn't come up yet; the majority of my visits so far have been about finding another job, getting through my current one, and adjusting my thinking. I'm certain it will at some point though.

Get ready for a long-winded reply. I can't comfortably say that my experience involves OCD (only because I've never told my doctor or therapist about my compulsions, but I do check my locks several times before I leave my house and/or car), but I will agree with XYZ's suggestion to stay away from alcohol while on any of those type of meds. What my doctor has told me is that this is often a long process; to not only find the correct medication, but the correct doseage. I started this process almost nine months ago, and in that time I went from 20mg of SSRI X, which was bumped up to 40mg a few months later, then my admission of increased suicidal thoughts resulted in my doctor putting me on a different SSRI, I'll call it SSRI Y, at 10 mg, with the likelihood that doseage would be bumped up as well. And my therapist told me that you just gotta hang in there and fight for what you hope are better days ahead, and live off any good news you can, even if it is bread crumbs here and there. For me a portion of that is invested in sports; like the fact that Urban Meyer might be forced out of Ohio State, that Texas has a good shot at 8 or more wins this season, and might even steal some of Urban's 'croots if he does get canned. Also, Liverpool looks really good heading into this season, Real Madrid might continue their fire sale, and the young Americans that invaded the Bundesliga are primed to have good seasons...those are some of the things that work for me. Another thing that helped was realizing how lucky I am to be alive where and when I am currently living; I can easily watch sports events happening all over the world, in real time, with a clear picture, with minimal effort on my part. I'm not having to swing a sword against The Mountain for Cersi Lannister's amusement or some bullshit like that. You probably have a family, or hobbies, or both, or something that can at least temporarily distract you from the things going on in your mind, and your attempt to rewire your mind. As far as the medical bills go, look deeply into your work's health insurance program before doing anything; I found out I had FIVE free therapy sessions to use before each one would begin costing $25. Also, make sure your PCP is identified on your health insurance card BEFORE going to the doctor (I learned that one the hard way a few weeks ago with a bill that didn't have to be if I just made that call BEFORE my visit identifying my PCP, and not a few days after). Your PCP is gonna be the one putting you on these medications, and probably wanting to check in with you after they've had time to start taking effect (usually about a month). With good health insurance, my SSRIs have cost at most $4 for a month-long supply. Also, my therapist asked me to keep track of how I react to the changes in medication, which sounds like a recommendation worth passing along to you as well. Also, don't be afraid to look into FMLA program at work, and get that set into motion. Any time you can get away from work, without losing money, or your JOB, is a good thing. Just like when the Ol' Dirty Bastard said when he had to defend his status on Government Assistance while he had the top selling album in the country, "It's FREE MONEY; why wouldn't you want FREE MONEY?!?!" (I miss that man, RIP Russell Tyrone Jones). Also, most importantly, don't be afraid to open up to people about how you've been feeling lately. Talking here is a good start. If you have a good group of friends in your life away from the internet, use them; you'd be surprised at how many people are going to step up and listen to you, and even check in on you unannounced. I was ready to lose a lot of my friends when I quit drinking, and I was floored that they ALL stuck around. TLDR: Keep fighting: We're here for you, and we'll give advice the best we can. Also, fuck Aggy and Boomer.

Thank you. Thank you so much for this.

Hang in there ImGolfn. We're all thinking about you. I also want to apologize for my lapse in updates. I still hate my job, but it pays my bills and allows me to treat Ms. ATX to a nice dinner on a somewhat regular basis, and allows me to go on my solo barbecue adventures as well. I just have to tough it out until something better is offered to me. Most people hate their jobs, and most people have been passed up for promotions, so I'm happy to know I'm not alone in that boat. Since I got the bad news, my boss AND team leads have all noticed a dramatic improvement in my attitude at work despite being passed up for the promotions; I guess they all thought I'd go the opposite direction. One team lead even went as far to say that she was surprised that I didn't give up and start half-assing all my work. Even at my lowest, I wasn't about to give them even more power over me. So, painting on a smile, working on my tone of voice, and my body language, have all helped. Hopefully they'll give me a good reference if a better job knocks on my door. I've been taking more time off work lately (I had some leave set to expire, so I've made use of that, even rewrote my resume while watching the World Cup), and that seems to have helped. I'm still going to therapy, and that is still going well. It helps to have a stranger put things into perspective for you, and remind you that things like feeling guilty simply because you are a straight white male, is bullshit. I also need to stop thinking self-destructive thoughts. I'm still trying to find the right antidepressant, and the right doseage, and I'm not about to give up on that either. I also have some FMLA paperwork going through the appropriate channels right now. I will admit that the money and effort I'm spending on mental health treatment is discouraging, and I often wonder if I was better off with the fifth of cheap whiskey once a week. I guess it is easy to contemplate giving up when it seems like you're facing too steep an uphill battle just to live a more normalized life. Today I am 38 weeks sober, but damn, the temptation to drink has been stronger lately than ever before. I'm also in the best shape of my life; (under 185 lbs), and I have a healthy nest egg (not Shaggy 1% healthy, but I could weather an unexpected emergency if one came up). I just gotta fix the mental part, then who knows where I could go. If I can fight the physical and financial battles, I think I can handle the mental ones as well. I don't really have a choice though, do I? I'm on vacation now, but it is raining today. So instead, I've paid all my bills for the month, and set up my budget for the upcoming month. My student loans are slowly (but surely) disappearing, and oh man is that encouraging. Once I hit submit on this, I'll start sorting out some other shit that happened before I left, but ran out of time to handle before I had to hit to hit the road. Stay strong everyone.

More like Sabado Chi Chis Gigante. That old dude that hosts has got to be the luckiest man alive. Bob Barker wishes he had the talent around him this dude has.

This was outstanding. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen that damn commercial on LHN, but I've never thought about it like that. I'm sure I'll hate it less now.

I finished watching it recently for the first time, and completely recommend it. I wish I would've started sooner. Definitely a top five all time TV show, up there with The Wire and Breaking Bad. Of all the scenes from that show that could've, and should've, stuck with me, the one that I remember with the most joy is this scene from one of the last episodes where Tony swears he has a hot gambling tip, and wants to bet Carm's money on it, but she won't let him because, of course, it's HER money, and then the next morning he's reading the newspaper, sees his inside info was accurate, and that he missed out on a lot of money, and he just yells out "GOD DAMN IT!!!!" in his robe in the kitchen with his coffee. I don't remember the season or episode number, but it's the one where it becomes clear that Tony has a gambling problem. Also there's this scene in another episode where Tony's therapist is having a dinner party with her therapist colleagues, and they're gossiping about each other's patients, and Tony's visits become the topic of conversation....that made me not want to see a therapist. I eventually did, but I'm still certain they all talk about their patients like that.

"What do YOUR parents think of my protest songs? Mr. TIME MAGAZINE!"

Heartbroken over your story, Golfn. Wish I had something to say other than we're thinking about you, and hoping for the best for you.