Slurp!!

You Are Coke

A true original and classic, you represent the best of everything you can offer. Just the right amount of sweet, just the right amount of energy... you're the life of the party. Your best soda match: Mountain Dew Stay away from:Dr Pepper

What Kind of Soda Are You?

Gee, I Wonder!

Life continues though it is a bit harried this week. Our church is conducting its Vacation Bible School (VBS). I get to be the Rabbi and run the Synagogue school. It is fun especially when the 6-11 year olds start asking questions. You never know what they will ask. Doing this has made for a long day and usually I just crash when I get home.

Wild Mom - we will see her this weekend and spend the July 4th holiday with her. I am curious as to how sane I will be after a 15 1/2 hour drive with 3 young ladies in the back seat. I guess "for real" and "you know" will be drummed into my mind.

Lady - is just as tired as I am. She is the leader of the nursery class at VBS. Wouldn't you love to handle 6+ kids under the age of 3?

#1 - I haven't seen him much as we are so busy every night with VBS. But there isn't any change in his status. TV and Xbox define his life while he waits for the perfect Job to come and knock on the front door.

#2 - About the same as #1. He does go to church every Sunday with some friends. It is easy to tell he is home because his friends camp out there.

Jessi - Still planning the wedding and getting to know Keith after his return from "Summer Camp."

Princess - continues to become the young lady we thought she would be. Right now she is grounded because her car is in the shop for some mechanical repairs. This week we fainted when she actually "cleaned" her room. Did you know we can actually see the carpet now?

Lew is growing fast and making life interesting. He looks so cute with his robe he wears for VBS. Not sure yet how much he is learning but his grade for "Being Active" is A+.

One good thing about this week is that I don’t have to listen to the news. I do catch glimpses as I travel from home and work.

I guess the Democrats are licking the egg from their face. They didn’t like the fact that the Republicans redefine the voter boundaries every 10 years in Texas. So after some skillful maneuvering the Dems managed to get the Supreme Court to say “they (Republicans) could redefine them whenever they want too.” Bright move.

Looks like the Israeli’s are positioning their troops to show us how to respond when one of our soldiers is kidnapped. The Egyptians know Israel is serious and are trying to get Hamas to negotiate before they get their Palestinian butts kicked.

For those News organizations that leaked the secrets. Take the appropriate people to trial and cut off their access. Some solitary time would help clear their hunger to make news without any regard for others lives. And the leak! – Well, let Bill Clinton’s boys take care of them.

Since the immigration issue has disappeared into silence that means the democrats are screwing us once again. Did the problem just melt away? Or did all the Illegal’s all go home?

To my RP partner -- would you write something so I could react?

Its a Head Knocker in a Flat Clearing

Summer's here? It can't be because spring wasn't long enough or did I work so much I lost track of time? Is it such a bad thing to expect people to a small inkling of what they are doing? They are paid to do a job and use their tools provided to them to some modest level of achievement. But it must be the summer doldrums because certain people are having massive brain farts and forgetting even the simplest of tasks.

Next week is Vacation Bible School. So I expect that an even jam-packed schedule gets more hurried and jam-packed.
4th of July looks like a trip to Florida to check on Wild Mom. I have heard that there is a run of paper down there as she creates a sonny-do list. Oh, my aching back!

#1 - perhaps a move to Colorado can't come soon enough. After these last few discussions, he is obviously screwed up in his logic.

#2 - As I said it last night, "You want a Car? Get a job!" Simple answer. <-- Deal? or No Deal?

Princess - Let me see! She is doing well and we are adjusting to her. It is amazing how the dynamics of a house changes when a young Lady enters into it. Now if we could only get her to lose sight of the John Star in her eye and to not play Rapunzel out her bedroom window when he is here supposedly visiting #2. All in all, it has been fun and a joy having her here. Also, last night she learned not to bring greasy food (spicy buffalo wings) home from work. They hit bottom like a lead balloon.

Jacqui & Julian - She is tired and welcomed Lady allowing her to get some restful sleep. The little man keeps growing and wanting to eat more.

Jessi - got Lady's cold after our visit there (Lady's Fault :) ) She is banging off the walls waiting for Keith to return from summer training. We are proud of them both and look forward to many laughs and proud moments as they make a life and home together.

***************************************

Mother/Child/Womb -- There isn't anyway you can convince me that the Trinity (Father/Son/Holy Spirit) is defined as such. They use select verses that say what they want. Are we to the point we just redefine the Bible, as we want to so that it is convenient for us. Please open you Bible ... Genesis 2:20 on page 4 in the NGV (New Gay Version) edition. Adam named his soul mate Steve, because he would become the mother of all the living. It almost makes me ill thinking of how we continue to disregard our past and continue with our Religion of Convenience. I wonder why God has let us misinterpret the Bible for so long. On such a fundamental idea, how could the Holy Spirit not teach us the right way? How could the great Bible teachers been so wrong? Perhaps it is time for the real children of God stand up and stop this assault on every principle we hold.

I see some similarity in the last vote by Congress on the Marriage Protection Act and the constitutional amendment. Every one of those who voted against it should not be allowed to claim their Christianity as a reason to vote for them this fall. Maybe their home churches need to discuss with them what they should have learned in all those sermons as they participated in the service or so they claim.

I am amazed how Grimsley is being ostracized for his revealing of his drug source and co-users of steroids. It is like, “keep your mouth shut, pay the price and let us continue to harm ourselves and cheat the public.” Major League Baseball (MLB) is becoming Mostly Law Breakers (MLB). What other segment of the entertainment industry has drug usage become more prevalent? Yes, Baseball is more about how much juice does it take to win the Home Run title than the natural skill required. As one reporter said, “the use of performance enhancing drugs is visible in all aspects of the game.” If MLB is serious then spend a few million to develop a foolproof test. The pharmaceutical companies have the skill to do it. The cost will go down if the Olympics, NBA, NFL, NCAA and other sports associations all join in. If you truly want to stop this .. Then quit whining and do it.

How popular is your name?

Check your name

William - Means: Protector (Better than a "Flat clearing" sounds like a landing area or some undeveloped piece of property.)

Decade
Popularity ...... Rank

1900's ........... 2
1910's ........... 2
1920's ........... 4
1930's ........... 4
1940's ........... 4
1950's ........... 6
1960's ........... 7
1970's ........... 9
1980's ........... 15
1990's ........... 19

Rank - shows how popular the name is in the corresponding decade. A rank of 1 means it is the most popular name for that gender. A rank of 1000 means it is the 1000th most popular.

Musing's While Half Asleep

Well, I am here I think. This week has been a blur. Our main office server died and after about 20 hours I had it back up and running. It sure was a long night though. Other than that occurring the week has been rather uneventful.

#1 and #2 show no change. The clock just keeps ticking.

Princess is out of school for the summer. So we enter a new realm -- summer vacation --. The adjustment to having a sixteen year-old is going well. We have managed not to have any major disagreements. Most the minor ones have been discussed and worked out. She does have a small and discrete tattoo on her ankle. I felt that was the best alternative given where she wanted the others and the tongue pierce. We haven't seen her final grades yet so that may set the tone for the summer. But I think all is well in that area. I just will have to set my expectations of all "A's" aside and accept what she did.

After a two week break, Lew should be back this weekend. That should provide a high energy boost to our systems this weekend.

Hope to see Julian and mom this weekend. Those little guys grow like weeds and I would hate not to be able to recognize him.

I am trying to figure out a time to go down and check on wild mom. You know-- one of them surprise inspections .. to see what is really going on. I probably won't recognize the place after all her redecorating.

Vacation Bible School is fast approaching (end of June). I am slated to be a Rabbi during all the activities. So I am practicing the song "Hava Nagilah" and that funny little squatting dance. Just can't find any "Mossel Toast". Is that any good with grape jelly or just with date jelly?

Perhaps we should send over a bunch of Democratic Senators and let them be the mayor of an Iraqi town for a month. Let them show us how good a leader they would be. That may shut them up a bit.

Editorial Note

With Paul's story getting so large I have moved the site to its own location.

Paul's Journey

or you can link to it using the Paul's Journey link in the lower right hand corner of this website in the Links to my Friends.

Somewhere In the Country

Hello from South Boston, Va. We arrived here just before 9 pm Saturday night. Right now we are sitting here just talking and sharing bits and pieces of our lives. Later, she is planning on fixing us dinner. Yes! I brought the Pepto Bismol tablets. We have seen the wedding dress, graduation gown and heard of her’s and Keith’s every plan for the future. Perhaps the song with that simple phrase expresses it best – “it is well with my soul.”

Promise Keepers - What can I say. It was awesome and reaffirmed many of the thoughts that were going through my mind. You can't help but leave there energized and excited. It seemed every speaker pressed a point that just spoke right to me whether it was Bible Study, People, or just my life period. A few blogs ago I asked why was I here. Well, I am here because Jesus called me to be here. The "Why" is still to be shown to me but I must trust him and in time it all will be clear. It is emotional to hear 5000-6000 men sing at one time. If a Promise Keepers event comes near to you, I ask that you (men) attend if possible or better yet come here and go with me. I honestly believe it will change your life forever. Looks like next year we will go to the Richmond Virginia event. That is if we don’t make it a vacation and go to the Orlando Florida event.

Jessi – right now, about all I can say is we are proud of her and love her a lot. Yes, like all parents, we are relegated to the hide-a-bed and realize how our bodies aren’t as adaptable as we use to be. But she is so proud of having us in “Their home.” It is humbling and something to be cherished. She has grown up so much and changed from that “kid” who first appeared on our doorstep so many years ago. I feel confident that she will continue to make us feel proud in everything she does. To listen to her talk of the future and her plans just makes you feel good all over. We thank God for letting Keith come into her life for he has become her rudder to help guide her. To listen to her speak of him is a lesson in “mushy” love. I looked at my wife of 30+years last night as we sat there and wondered if we were ever that mushy. Her graduation is just a few hours away and that will mark another milestone in her and our lives. She will be the first of the kids to walk across the stage for the diploma.

Thanks Carl for attending Promise Keepers with me. What makes the event even more special is having a “friend” standing with you. After all we have been through this year, the Baltimore event was a special time.

This is such a special weekend; I will save the soap box comments for another time.

Soap Box 7

Honestly, I am still alive and functioning even though I haven't been on-line much. Sooner or later, all these strings will get tied together and life will return to normal. It seems that a lot of computers that belongs to my closest friends (translated they get fixed free) have decided to hiccup. In most cases, they are simple and easy fixes.

This weekend is another full schedule as starting tonight is PromiseKeepers. I can't wait to plug into the whole experience and get recharged. The experience always amazes me and energizes me. Late Saturday we will head to southern Virginia for Jessi's graduation on Sunday. We both are excited about sharing this moment in time with her because we know what it took for her to get there.

I must put my thinking cap on as I will play the part of a Rabbi at our vacation Bible School. Hmmm, do I have to sing Hava Nagilah all the time?

Lady continues to shine and make life a blessing. Choosing her some 31 years ago makes me seem like a genius. Now mind you, I was mostly there and it only took a little bit of help. (j/k)

#1 - As they say in Baseball, You're out! More to come.
#2 - no changes but the storm clouds are gathering.
Princess - Continues to settle in and adjust to family life at our zoo. We have almost finished the room painting (90%). We would have been done but #1 managed to put another hole in the wall and now we are waiting for the repair to dry so we can prime it and paint it.
Jacqui - Mom is fine and baby is growing .. The little beggar is pushing 8 pounds now ... hmmmm ... high protein milk .. Slurp - slurp.
Jessi - This is her weekend. I suspect her wedding plans will also be front and center this weekend. For some reason, the ladies like to talk about babies and weddings.
Wild Mom - still doing all those things to get the house the way she wants it. Knowing her, she has a race track burned into the grass as she learns to handle the riding mower. I wonder if the flower beds survived.

Work goes on. That is a subject for another day since I would hate to get in a bad mood for the start of what is to be a great weekend.

Marriage Protection Act – well, the majority of states are trying to institute constitutional amendments and our elected representatives could only vote 49-48 … then let’s vote them out of office. The people are speaking and the State’s are listening. The Congress should have passed it 83-17. I have promised my self that any Presidential Candidate that voted NO will not get my vote for any reason.

It is time to clean out the Federal Judges that use the position as a bully pulpit to enact their agenda or their cronies’ agendas. If Congress can have an Ethics Committee oversight then the Judges can too.

Steroids – I just listened to one ball player complain because Grimsley talked to investigators and gave names. The grouser was pissed because he thought Grimsley got caught and should take his punishment without revealing anyone else who was juiced. Other words, as long as you don’t get caught it is ok but never point out when someone is breaking the law. Hey Juicer Bonds, the noose gets tighter.

Al-Zarqawi – Another rat dies, now let us get serious and get the biggest rat.

Maybe it is time to quit trying to make the Sunni’s, Shiites, and Kurds coexist. Divide the land in three parts and let them pursue their own brand of religious purity. Time will show the error of their ways and when enough people die they will ask for help and really want it.

I Quit

-- NOT --

I don't have any hair left .... Did someone say today was "Act as dumb as you can possibly be"? These kind of days make me want to dust the "I Quit" notice and find a quiet place and wonder why God put me here in the first place.

Person complains to the VP that his mail is dowloading two copies. Thus he was getting twice as much spam and that wasn't right. Investgation showed he had two email accounts being checked. The first account would download and leave a copy on the server. Then the second one would check the exact same mail account and remove the mail ... Bingo ... 2 emails.

Person complains because a java script program doesn't run. "It runs on every other computer. All I do is run another program and it sets itself up." I said it was a new computer. They repeat the previous statement. Excuse me, I repeated it was a new computer and the software IS NOT loaded. Then they respond, But it works everywhere else! {Give me a break}

"I can't send email because the SEND button is missing. Something you did yesterday when I crashed the program has broke my program." Excuse me but you minimized all the menu bars, click on the little arrow.

I am trying to burn fom one CD to another and all I am getting are blank CD's. Well, don't select the Image Recorder as the destination and give it a file name to store it on the hard drive. They had a stack of 10 CD's that were bad {Blank}

I am trying to burn a CD but it is too slow. [CDRW was a 8x4]. Why are you using that computer? Mine is broke, remember you were going to fix it! Yes, as I said, I would fix it while you are on vacation. Oh! [That new one was a 40x burner]

You have to come and reinstall Microsoft Office right now. Someone deleted it from my Start-Programs directory. No, you deleted them. The programs still exist in the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office directory. No, I didn't do that. Well someone hacked your computer and did that then.

I came in early [5 am] to migrate a server only to have to restore the original configuration when something that was supposed to have been fixed yesterday wasn't. So at 10am I was back to where I started. Don't you just love it? I am glad I have so much free time I can give away 4 hours of sleep for no reason.

All these were today and supposedly by professionals who want an automated office environment. Let's keep the computers and get rid of the humans.

Soap Box 6

Well, at least work ended on a good note this evening as I listened to a rendition of Country Tuba. While listening to that song you can't help to tap a foot and drum your fingers. The more I drive in this traffic I have to wonder where some of these drivers get their license. The other would be when did they get rid of their common sense. Today a lady was putting her makeup on, talking on her cell and weaving all over the two lanes. Oh and the ones who race up the merge lane to try and squeeze in instead of waiting like the rest of the people. Then they get irate when no one lets them in. Perhaps we ought to adopt the German system. You drive ... any other thing is illegal. If you want to eat and get stopped .. busted! Tak on the phone? Busted!

Promise Keepers is next Friday followed by Jessi's graduation and party on Sunday in South Boston Virginia. I am looking forward to the Promie Keepers event. I always get a boost from it and that would be great to get all through the year. When we first met Jessi, graduating from school seemed like a distant event that had the same odds of occurring of a black hole swallowing up the earth. Now it is going to happen (her graduate) and we are so proud of her.

10 years of probation because he was too small to go to prison. Give me a break!

I see Nagin is the mayor once again. Obviously, the citizens didn't suffer enough with his botched leadership during Katrina that they want to do it again. The sad part he will mess it up and everyone will blame FEMA for their poor decision skills.

Well, wild mom sent me her broken computer, so I best go and fix it befores she comes up here and gets hold of me.