Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year's Day From The Dino Lounge, Plus A Big Announcement


dino jerry 52

dinojernewyear2


Happy New Year! I hope that everybody will have a fantastic time ringing in 2010. I do hope that all of you who celebrated Christmas had a wonderful time this year.

I'm still without a cable modem. I've been doing a lot of soul searching lately, plus I've been talking to my sister. We've decided to give up the internet at our house for the time being. Money is really tight right now. It doesn't seem to be getting any better any time soon. We are giving up both our high speed internet and our digital cable service. We are just going to keep basic cable. That will save us some money every month. We are always looking for way to cut expenses.


I am putting this and my other blog on hiatus for the time being. I had been mulling doing this anyway before the situation with the cable modem arose. The modem dying just sealed it for me.

I've got a lot of things I want to try to work on in 2010. The last few years of my life have been rather rocky. Plus I will turn 40 in 2010. That's one of those milestone birthdays. There are some goals I'm setting for myself that I want to accomplish in this year.

I really want to get back into shape. I've gained a lot of weight over the last few years. When I'm stressed out, I eat a lot. I've been stressed out so much due to work and other factors. I want to start eating better and working out again.

I also want to try to find another job this year. It's not getting any better at work. I'm thankful that I've got a job when so many others are still out of work. I still would like to figure out something else to do. I'm not getting the hours or the pay I was a few years back. It's been a real struggle.

I want to work on my spiritual life as well. I'm not sure if it's because I'm getting older or what, but I've been thinking about spiritual matters a lot lately. I plan to start going to a house of worship in a few weeks. I want to work on my relationship with God. Plus it will give me a chance to be part of some community and something greater than myself.

I have so much enjoyed doing both my blogs. I've had a lot of fun. I've meet a lot of great people. I'm going to miss it. But I feel like I need to take this break for now so I can concentrate on some other areas of my life. Blogs tend to take so much time and energy. I need to focus that instead on improving my life. I'm not saying I'll never come back. I may be back in a month or it could be six months or more. I'm not sure. Thanks so much for all the support and friendship you've all given me since I starting blogging. It means the world to me. I care about you guys a lot.

I'll be able to get on the internet a few times a week at my grandmother's. I plan to keep my pages on Facebook and MySpace. For those that I'm friends with on either, we can keep in touch there. If you are on either of those and we are not friends yet, I hope that you will become my friend. I do want to stay in touch.

I hope all of you will understand what's going on. Please don't be upset with you. This is just something I need to do. My sister Stephanie is taking a break from her blog Chic Femme as well. I'm not sure how long her break will be. It could be shorter or longer than mine. She's working on getting into graduate school.

Take care. I wish you all the best in 2010. God bless you all. Cheers!

P.S. I wanted to leave you with a couple of videos. The first is of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra doing a skit on Dino's television show for New Year's. The other one is Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli singing New York, New York. I hope you will enjoy both.





95 comments:

Carrie Clevenger said...

So sorry to hear of your plight, but I definitely understand. Best to you and yours in 2010. :)

Cheryl Lynn said...

OH WOW, Keith!

This is a major announcement. I'm going to miss you much! I certainly understand where you are coming from, though. 2009 was a very difficult year for me as well, both financially and emotionally. I too gained a great deal of weight due to stress. I planned to be much farther along in my children's illustration, but just couldn't muster up the energy nor the time to finish projects I'd started.:(

I am grateful for your honesty and can appreciate your candor regarding what is going on in your life and your very important goals for 2010.

I am particularly grateful to God for your endeavor to get closer to HIM. If it hadn't been for the Lord, I'd have lost my mind with everything that I've been through, especially for these last 4 to 5 years.

God Bless you, Keith, Happy New Year, and may God enable you to accomplish all you've set out to do in the coming year. I will join you on Facebook as a friend so we can keep in touch that way. Peace, Love, and the calming, comforting Spirit of the Jesus keep you and your family.

Noshabelle said...

What? I'm so going to miss you and your blogs... I hope everything works out for you, and that you'll find whatever your looking for. Thanks for your nice words. Take care and have a fantastic holiday. I'll miss you. We all will.

Drake said...

Happy New Year Keith, it'll get better.
All the best!
You'll be missed and can't wait until you get back online.

Leah said...

Keith, honestly, I am going to miss you. Come back soon. Happy new year! xoxo

Jimmy Porter said...

We'll be here when you get back.

Best of luck with whatever you decide to do. I know you'll be a better man for it.

And 40 isn't old! :D

www.janetteria.com said...

Happy New Year, darling Keith!

Xx

Dina's Days said...

Oh Keith! You will surely be missed. I totally understand where you are coming from. I wish you the best and hope to hear back from you soon!!

Anonymous said...

What can I say, there comes a time in our lifes when we have to change,Yours it seems is now...Take care my friend,I wish you well in all that you seek...It will get better...You will be missed.x.

Jim @ CoolStuffForDads.com said...

Best of luck, Keith. I hope you have a great 2010!!

Marcos Callau said...

Thank you very much, Keith for that NY-NY. Have a great new year's eve!. I will miss you and your blog so much. I'd like to write many things more but my english is too bad, so excuse me please.

Bob G. said...

Keith:
I also will miss all the coolness you have provided the "fans" out here.

Hopefully, you can swing on by and do a post now and again.

As to your personal situation...when it comes to realization of self, be it strengths or weaknesses...it's like Morpheus said in THE MATIRX...

"Don't think you are...KNOW you are".

Trust in yourself...you're better than you think...Dr. Spock once said that.
Trust in the Lord, because no matter how alone you may feel, you're NEVER ALL alone.

But all this never comes for free...
It take COURAGE, PERSEVERANCE, HONESTY (with yourself), and RESPECT (of yourself first).

It takes WORK...but the challenge alone is worth the "price of admission".

Remember, REAL success is never measured by WHAT YOU HAVE, but rather WHO YOU ARE.

Take care and be well.

We're all here in your corner with 'ya!

Happy New Year.

le0pard13 said...

I think it safe to say, but whatever you are taking the time out to strive and accomplish, you have people (analog and digital) pulling for you. Me among them. Take care and I hope you find the peace you seek, my friend. Happiest of New Year's to you and yours.

sourdust said...

Here's hoping 2010 is a better year for you. Thanks for all the great posts, and remember that after turning 40 you will no longer care about birthdays for at least another 10 years!

Libertad said...

Happy new Year, Keith! I hope you'll be posting great post as the ones I've been reading since I follow you, you're awesome!!

Winnie said...

Sorry to hear that you need to take a break but sometimes it has to be done!

Hope you have a fabulous new year and hope to see you back in the blogosphere at some point next year! Take care!

James said...

I hope you know how much you will be missed,this is a great site. I hope all goes well for you and that we'll see you again someday soon!

Unknown said...

good luck to you! we will miss you around here...all the best in 2010 and beyond:)

Couture Carrie said...

We'll miss you, Keith!
Hope you accomplish all your goals in 2010.
Happy new year!

xoxox,
CC

Zuzana said...

Happy New Year my dear friend, I am officially still on hiatus from my blog but I saw your message! I will MISS YOU! But I completely understand and being 42 myself, I know how you feel. Good luck with everything, I hope you find the higher meaning you search for.
I am "Zuzana Lilly" on Facebook, in case you want to become my friend.;)
Until next time, all the best -
xoxo
Zuzana

MaryMary said...

Keith , You will surely be missed. Your blogs are fantastic and entertaining.

I hope you find what your heart seaks.

Best wishes to you and your family in 2010...Let it be the best year of your life !
xo Mary

M.Lane said...

All the best to you and your sister in 2010...it sounds like you have a great plan in place and I am confident you will acheive your goals.

I've only known you on the blogosphere for a couple of months but I enjoyed hanging out here pally. Hope to see you again soon.

ML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com

Miss Go Lightly said...

Awe Keith, I'm bummed to hear the news...just when I was beginning to get acquainted with your blog, this happens :( no, but really I understand..sometimes we need to pause, reflect and take a different direction in our lives, and it seems like that is where you are now :)so upward and forward my friend! I wish you all the very best in the new year, and hope that someday you will return and update us on your new endeavors =) God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear this. I will miss your blogging. I hope you accomplish all your goals in this coming year. I wish you the very best!

sweetpralinemadness said...

Keith,
I totally understand. My hubby got laid off over the summer. It was really difficult on us. He's been back working but it made us re-evaluate our lifestyle. We decided to go back to a more simple one and work more on improving ourselves. The computer, cell phones, and TV can be too distracting. I felt like I was addicted to electronics. They were sucking our time (our lives) away.

Once we began changing we noticed huge gains in our marriage, relationships with others, bank account, savings, and relationship with God. We both started working out instead of eating out and now enjoy cooking together. I've got some great new recipes I'm willing to share with you. Life is more simple now but we are so much more happier than ever before.

I know God will bless you like He has blessed me. He's an amazing God and I'm grateful for the hardship that brought me back to Him. I'm beginning to understand God for the first time and have peace once again. Even during this economy He has blessed me through prayer. I'm a walking testimony that God answers prayers. And because I know He does I will keep you in my daily prayers for greatness in your life this year.

Sending blessings from my house to yours. I'll miss you but look forward to hearing about your success in the near future.

XOXO,
GiGi

Stefanie Valentine said...

I will miss you and your great videos you post on here. Good luck with your life and i hope everything works out for you.
Have a great new year and i hope your hiatus is only a short one! xx

Gabbi said...

A great New Year's post Keith! I adore the song and the photo of Dean and Jerry... I completely understand the need for a break Keith. As wonderful a escape that we get through our blogs it's important to not neglect our lives. I'm already your friend on MySpace, so I'll definitely be keeping up with you there.

Sending lots of love and wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!!

Dominica said...

May I wish you the very best for 2010 !
It's indeed a shame, cause you always gave such great comments..
But in a way, I completely understand your situation and the need to clear your mind ; maybe the internet/cable situation was a hint.
Sometimes I do take some distance or demand some space to clear my head too.
Whatever way you choose, religion, keeping it simple, less is more ... it's always good YOU made the decision (even if the decision will be not the right one in the end) it does not matter ...you need to be happy and have peace of mind.
Maybe we will see eachother soon, maybe not ..real friends always meet up like no time has passed between them; that's real friendship !
Take care dear Keith and who knows, talk to you soon !
Dominica XX

erika sorocco said...

I'm so sorry to hear your announcement, Keith; but I believe that you are making the best decision for yourself at this time. I will miss your daily comments and posts; but I do hope that we will meet again in the blogging world sometime soon!

Happy, Happy New Year!! :)

James Jean said...

Have a great holiday and New Year Keith. Hope both you and Steph will be able to get through the tough times eventually and get back to blogging. Even if you decide not to, you'll be fine as well. See ya soon!

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, well I wish you all the best, Keith! Your blog is great and it will be missed!

Lizzy said...

Oh Keith! Well, I never expect that kind of announcment, I know economy has been very bad not just in USA, I guess around the world, and what you're planning to do is a good way to save money...of course your followers will miss your posts.....I hope you come back soon.
It's great you have decided to work in your spiritual life, it doesn't matter what religion you practice, the important is to be close to GOD.
Good luck with your plans of working out and eating better, it is hard to start BUT once you have done it nobody will stop you!!
My best wishes for you in the next year!!

Unknown said...

What an awesome year we had...seems like yesterday...when the world is young... :)

Happy New Year!!! :)

Lidian said...

Keith, that is indeed a big announcement! And - oh, I will miss reading you, I only just discovered your blog! But I really understand, once one hits the 40s, you start thinking a lot about where to go next. I know.

I wish you all the best for the New Year!

Don said...

I hope things work out for you in 2010. I'll miss seeing new posts on your blog. There are old posts from you that I haven't seen yet so I'll just go back in time! Good luck to you.

Unknown said...

what such amazing post....

xoxo...
happy new year...

lorenabr said...

Wish you a great 2010 and all the best. :) Hope you find what you are looking for.

Lucy said...

When you come back, it will be all for the better! Take care and we'll see you soon!

GYPSYWOMAN said...

dearest keith - while i am very sad that you will not be with us here at least for a while, i am very happy that our paths have crossed and i do hope you will drop by one or more of my little campfires from time to time whenever you are so inclined - your blogs have always added such a touch of loveliness for us all - you will be sorely missed - but, we must all do what we must do and do it when we must - so, go forth - do your things - and know that you have touched many lives in many wonderful ways and that you are thought of with much affection - jenean

GYPSYWOMAN said...

peace love and happiness in the coming year, keith!!!

yyam said...

Hi Keith

I'm happy that you are clear in your goals for 2010 and I wish you all the best in your endeavors. I've enjoyed your blogs and your visits to mine. Will definitely miss you in blogland. Take care!

Happy New Year!

Cheers
Y.

ellie said...

Wishing you all the best. I want you to look at 40 as the new 20. OK. You can do it. You've got a certain charisma about you. You'll make margaritas out of limes..you go Keith!


Wishing you a fab new year!

Pam said...

Oh, no! I love your blog. I just posted to mine and then remembered I had to check yours out, as you mentioned a big announcement. We all completely understand, of course. Keeping up regular blogging IS a commitment and a lot of work. It took me two hours the other day just to find pictures of people smoking pipes for that recent post! And the cable companies will nickel and dime you, that's for sure. I'm still upset that I had to buy a digital converter box to receive "free" television.

Best wishes to you and I really hope we'll be hearing from you soon. Something that may help, since I wasn't completely happy with my life a couple of years ago...I highly recommend Louise Hay's book "You Can Heal Your Life." She was the queen of positive thinking two decades before "The Secret" was released. Also, all of your goals that you mentioned...find pictures that represent them and put them on what they call a vision board...any kind of board where you can tack or tape images to. Put it in a place where you'll see it everyday, and tell yourself every day that everything on your board is coming to you. I'm telling you, it works...some stuff cam quickly for me and a few things I'm waiting on, but I really do believe in thinking positive to yourself, and it doesn't matter if what you want and are thinking about isn't true or in your life yet...if you keep thinking about it, it will happen. Wayne Dyer's "Excuses Begone" is also very good.

Very best wishes to you, Keith - good luck with all of your goals! I hope we'll be hearing from you soon.

Clarity said...

Dear Keith,

I think the best post you have ever written just came from a place of raw honesty and goodness. I do hope you will keep in touch, I am not a facespacer but my email is always open to someone who scratches beyond the surface. Best wishes to you and your sister, peace.

wiec? said...

i'll miss you but i understand. you gotta do what you gotta do. sounds like you are taking thei snew years resolution stuff seriously.

GOOD FOR YOU BRO!!! Best of luck in 2010!!! see you when you get back!! or on myspace:)

Nic said...

Happy new year Keith....

keep in a good health.

2010 will be better


xoxo
Nic

MannequinMe said...

:( Kudos to you! All the best Keith!

X

Marian said...

Keith I hope you are well today.
Thank you for this thought provoking post on where you are currently mentally and goal wise.
I have loved reading your posts but want to encourage & support you as you take that time out to concentrate on your life.

As you take time out to also focus on the spiritual please know that I am praying for you so that God directs your path and gives you what you are looking for.

Do feel free to keep in touch(I can be reached at marian@mariankihogo.com)

big hug and Happy New Year,
Marian.

Graham I. Haynes said...

A very sincere post — thank you for the honesty!

I hope 2010 brings unexpected blessings your way, and your 40th birthday is grand.

Great pics and vids, as usual.

Happy New Year buddy...

Audrey Allure said...

i hope you have a wonderful year & i hope you are able to accomplish those things! take care :)

mAdi*cakes said...

Oh my! I am going to miss you! Youve been a good friend in his new to me world of blogging but youve left behind tons of inspiration. I wish you all the best, and Im very proud of you for wanting to work on spiritual and find a place of worship and get close to God. Always remember He loves you and is ALWAYS there! He will lead you and guide you to where HE wants you to be. He has a will and its perfct and if you trust Him and ask Him He'll lead you in it and will help you in every area of your life. If its important to you, its important to God! :] He is truly wonderful!
I'll be praying for you.
Even though you wont be blogging, check out these two blogs of my personal friends. Tney are Christian and offer alot of goodness and will help get you through those bad days :]
Good luck to you this year.
When its time, you will appear again. Until then, adu!

http://www.apostolicsanonymous.com/

http://pmiller07.blogspot.com/

xoxo
M

Kinezoe said...

Hi Keith! It's really sad to hear you decide to stop posting on your blog for a time but I know what you mean... When things go wrong maybe the best you can do it's to stop and think in order to try to solve them as soon as possible. I will miss you, Keith, you and your cool blog. I hope you may be back very soon. Get lucked, my friend. Best wishes for 2010. Cheers!

PS: Great clips ;-)

Sher said...

Hi Keith,

I'm so sorry to hear about your problem. I'm sure you will be sorely missed. Do hope that you could continue to blog as frequently possible.

Take care and a happy new year to you!

xx

Syed said...

Happy New Years, hope this year brings lots of amazing things for you. Shall definitely miss your regular posts, but will be patiently awaiting your return!! Hope you're having a wonderful week :)

Mondo said...

Hey Keith I wish you all the best for whatever you chose to do 2010, thanks for all your trips to Planet Mondo..

B a la Moda said...

Oh, sorry to hear that. If it is what you need, take a break. There will always be time for blogging.


xoxo
B* a la Moda

Sam said...

Oh dear! Why do I feel so sad? :( This sounds like all good positive stuff going on for you but I'm selfish enough to feel upset about loosing your great blogs and cyber presence...well I guess that's just tough for me and everyone else who has very much enjoyed your blogs this year! :) All the best to you and your sis for the year 2010 Keith - onward and upward for you!

Gary Dobbs/Jack Martin said...

Don't be away too long - you're already part of a community here and it won't be the same without you.

Anonymous said...

lots lots lots of love

agneta, the swedish one

Allison said...

You will definitely be missed, Keith, but I do understand the need to concentrate on other areas of your life - I think it's great that you're putting yourself first - that's the way to do it =)
I'll miss your blog very much, and will definitely be here waiting when you start back up - take all the time you need!!

Cocktails said...

Gosh Keith, but well I fully understand and appreciate that you need to take time out. Good luck with everything and hope 2010 goes well for you.

Mom Fashion World said...

happy new year to you!
wish you all the best in life.

what a funny photos!

Anonymous said...

Reading this just tugged at my heart. I think I share that same thought with you- love blogging but there are other areas in my life that I'm neglecting because of it. I wish you much luck in the new year- you have the right perspective going into 2010 and I hope that you accomplish all of your goals. You'll be missed!!

Diana said...

I rarely comment but I always admire from afar. I had to jump out of my Google Reader to comment on this one.
Take care of yourself first and we will be here when you get back. I wish you the best in your goals and come back refreshed :)
Happy New Year!

Kira Aderne said...

My dear friend Keith,

I totally understand you. Sometimes, we do need a change in our life and I think you are doing the right thing, however, don’t disappear from our blogs! I love your insightful words and amazing sense of humor. You are a great friend.
I do think you are doing a right thing caring about your healthy and spiritual life. We must not forget about it. God is the most important thing in life and develop a relationship with Him must be a goal for everyone. So, I hope you find yourself very soon and please, keep in touch!

All my love and best wishes always,
If you need some of my support for anything, don’t hesitate to ask,

Happy 2010,

Kira Aderne
kiraderne@hotmail.com

PS - I love Frank Sinatra, I am watching the videos right now!

Tights Lover said...

Good luck, Keith. I'm going to miss your blog! I wish great things for you in 2010 and beyond!

Nostalgia Kinky said...

All the best Keith. I totally understand and wish you the best. I will miss your blogging and hope you will return soon...take care buddy.

Angela said...

ah... internet issue. anyhoo, wishing you the best in 2010. : )

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year dear, I wish you all the best !

Unknown said...

Aw man.. I'm gonna miss your swank posts brother! But.. I'm going to be 40 in four months time as well, so I totally get you on every one of these levels. And.. while I'll miss your blogging, I'm also happy and excited for you as you embark on this journey.

Cheers Pallie, and good luck!!

Maria Confer said...

Keith, I wish you the best of luck and I have truly enjoyed reading your blog.

XOXO

Maria

lululetty.blogspot.com

La sonrisa de Hiperion said...

Paso por tu espacio para leer la cositas que nos dejas... Encatador siempre.

Saludos y un abrazo enorme.

Stéphanie said...

Happy new year Keith !
http://mimietnini.canalblog.com/

FilmFather said...

Keith, I totally hear you and I understand. Blogging does indeed take up a large chunk of one's time, so a break might just be what the doctor ordered.

I turned 40 in December '08, and it does make you re-prioritize what's important in your life, at least in your head if not through actions (that's the hard part). I wish you the best of luck in your immediate future, and will check in every so often to see if the Lounge is open once again.

Amy said...

I hear ya Keith and I understand, hope you get back to blogging at some stage.

Marina J. Gonçalves said...

Hey Keith! I wish you a lot of lucky in this new year! I'll miss your amazing posts and adorable comments on my blog! But, I understand you :)

A lot of hugs for you! =)

Secretista said...

Happy New Year!!

Treacle said...

Oh no! I'll miss you. :-(

Confessions of Lingerie Addict

Anonymous said...

happy new year darlinggggggggg!

Witchcrafted Life said...

Dear Keith,

I've greatly enjoyed every visit to your blog, each fascinating article you're posted, and every comment you've left for on Chronically Vintage. Thank you so much for the time and dedication you put into blogging, it most certainly did not go unnoticed.

From the bottom of my heart I wish you a happy, successful, inspiration year ahead, and hope that you find everything you're seeking/in need of - and more - in the days that lay ahead.


Sincerest regards,
your friend,
Jessica

Diva said...

Turning 40 will be great Keith! A renewal of sorts. A new decade of you ! It seems as you are making the right choices. Looking forward to reading more when your finances are stronger ! May 2010 be our best year yet ! :)

Anonymous said...

We all miss you:(

Etrapar said...

I hope you have a new great year! ^.^
kisses

Bruce Coltin said...

I just thought I would jump in and remind you to stay positive, no matter how difficult that may be. It's just plain good for you.

miriam (Björn Borg) said...

i'm back, hope you'll return soon too. best wishes for 2010!

kierah said...

The man on a diaper looks really hilarious. LOL!
decorating fabric

Unknown said...

Oh! The video you posted are adorable. My mom loves it.
outsourcing services

Delikate Rayne said...

Hi Keith,
You will definitely be missed. Your blog was always a joy to visit becasue we never failed to learn something. We wish you the best of luck and hope everything works out for you in the end, which we knuow it will. Happy early birthday! Good for you for taking the time out for a bit of soul searching and self cleanse. You will feel so refreshed!!!

Good Luck!!!

AutumnJones said...

Keith! I totally understand..Im in the same boat. I wish you the very best.

coolboy said...

wat happen n post

Kate said...

REally going to miss you. All the best

Kate xx

Clarity said...

Hey Kiddo,

Hope you're well. Saw this and thought of you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6LWY5zXrQs

Hope you and your sister are well. Remember that any challenge only serves to make you stronger for the good things ahead. Be patient, be well. Peace,

admin said...

really cool article. thanks

http://www.movies2009.info

JavaBeanRush said...

Just as I was getting back into the groove of blogging after about 9 months(I've been having some internet issues myself) I find you've been gone since January, Keith!

It was a blast having you around. Thanks for visiting my blog from time to time last year. Your comments really made my day.

Blogging consumed my life (in addition to the internet problems), so I gave it a rest. I totally understand your leaving, and I already miss not having you about the blogosphere.

Thanks for your time.

-- JAVA

Nic said...

hope everything is better now?!

I wasn´t here for such a long time...



love

nic