Monday, October 23, 2006

A Father's Memories and Prayer

Today my little girl, well, grown daughter to be exact entered the next phase of her life. One where I step aside for a young man to become the focus of her attention. The four hour drive home gave me a lot of time to reflect on the days events and to remember my little girl's life with us. It was amazing how the on-coming headlights kept blurring up my vision and forcing me to rub my eyes.

I thought of that young lady who came to us with so many issues. No child should ever have that much turmoil in their life. A child should be smothered in love and protected not used as a pawn to soothe someone's bruised ego. Those first few weeks required us to empty all our love out to her. But amazingly we recovered quickly and were ready for the next day. Even then we saw a beautiful young lady .. the same one who was so stunning on her wedding day.

She came in like a mini tornado and it didn't take long for her to draw us in and draw all our love for her. Now, I wish we could have had her in our life sooner. For what we have experienced and felt could have been even better. She was in many ways like the energizer bunny. Everything seemed to accelerate and move at a faster pace with her around. Life with her was like a mystery novel, we never knew what would come next. Those hugs and little but constant "I love you's" changed the dynamics of our life. She perfected those little coy looks and protests of "please". Yes, she probably had me wrapped around her finger ... but who could resist her smile and pleading. I sure couldn't.

I remember that first prom. From the hair disaster just days before the prom to the young lady that walked into the living room that night looking so grown-upand lady-like. From her arrival in our life looking all tattered and hurt to the sophisticated lady waiting for her escort, I now realize that sight was just a precursor to what she would look like on October 20, 2006.

Many times I wondered if she would ever pick a winner for a boyfriend. In reality, they weren't that bad but they weren't what a father had in mind for his little girl. She deserved only the best and that quality was hard to see in some of them. But she chose the best one when it counted --- Keith. I have been impressed since I first met him. But you know, she chose him and showed me my little girl had heard a little bit of what I had said as she grew up.

The trials and tribulations of school really tried the bonds between us. It was easy to tell us what we wanted to hear but the reality of the words never matured. But even though we seldom saw eye to eye, she got a raw deal when the school quit on her and her dream of a Diploma vanished when they asked her to leave. I believe you should never give up on a child, love them and support them and you will be rewarded. I hold my daughter up that way … love her and support her and she became a beautiful bride. But this spring when she crossed the stage and received her diploma I was proud as I could be. All those words I had spoken to what I thought was a wall at that time really had taken hold and she did it on her own. My little girl was becoming a woman with a dream.

I think of the many hair colors, the black, blue, purple, green, red and those colors that were mutations of the others when the dyes didn't go right. I laugh now at the thought that every time she dyed her hair we had to repaint the bath room. Those black/blue/red/green polka dots really gave it character. But they were her attempts to define herself. This weekend her hair was beautiful and not a hint of those dyes. My little girl had finally defined who she was and I was so proud.

In her other attempt to define herself, we struggled with her tattoos and many piercings as it was so different for us but she respected our feelings and really tried to tone it down when she was around us.

My little girl is now a grown lady and someone I am proud to call my daughter. I will miss the times she needed me to be her shining Knight for now I must step aside for her new hero. My job is now complete and I am proud of the results. I had the perfect canvas to work with, a beautiful, smart and energetic woman and I thank God he entrusted me with the task and the responsibility for his most precious creation. I wish I could have had more time but I will cherish every moment I did have. I know she is still here and I will be a part of her life forever but life has changed as it is God’s will and I take on my new role as mentor and future Grandfather.

Jessi – I love you and pray for your happiness and success and wouldn’t trade these memories for all the wealth in the world.

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Wedding Bells

Thursday was a long day with the drive down there followed by the last of the decorating, the reherasal and the dinner afterwards. I am glad this isn't an every day affair for I would be drained both physically and emotionally. The bed that night was most welcome to my aching bones.

The wedding on Friday was everything we hoped for ... it was beautiful yet tiring with so many things to do. From my point of view everything went as planned. The bride was stunning. There wasn't anything else that could have been done to improve how she looked.

Saturday was equally busy as we started the day getting Matthew back to the airport for his flight home. Then it was off to the Maryland Rennaisance Faire. Once again the weather was great and the events at the faire were great. We laughed, were amazed and saw many new sights. Some were worth seeing and others we could have done without. The down side was the 75 minutes it took to get out of the parking lot ... anyone say I-66 at rush hour?

Wild Mom - she is back from her camping expedition. She had a great time and managed to leave the countryside in one piece. Now it is time to plan the Family Christmas party and her trip to England.

Lady - she is exhausted and emotionally drained after the last 6 days. She was gorgeous and radiant throughout the wedding and managed to keep the tears under control. One of her highlights was dancing with her two sons, of course I sneaked a couple of dances in for myself.

#1 - back in Denver and hopefully the job interview went well on Saturday afternoon. He was his usual self so the Denver air hadn't had an effect on him yet.

#2 - Pitched in this weekend and made a difference.

Star - what can I say. She was absolutely beautiful.

Princess - Beautiful and eclipsed only by the bride. That old saying "she cleans up pretty good" would be a massive understatement. They way she looked was nothing short of "heartbreaker" and those young bucks at the wedding were mesmerized. I kept my eye on her during the dances and reminded the young bucks to keep the distance during the dance. I guess I should be happy she has no desire to dress up every day or I would be an exhausted old man with absolutely no hair trying to keep her safe from the millions of young bucks that would come to the house. I guess the grungy look has some advantages. :)

Brother #1 - the word is his eyesight is in jeopardy and may not get any better. His kidney's are still a source of worry to. The jury is still out on his job and his recovery is far from being finished.

Brother #2 - he is ok and I presume to take it that his family is ok also.

Sister - just getting ready for the next cruise -- anyone say "addicted?"

Utah Scene - no updates.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Cut the Drama for once!

Well, another week comes to a close and as usual it didn't lack for excitement. I never seemed to get caught up at work as all the brush fires kept me away from putting out the main fire. With nearly 10 1/2 months of the year gone it is time to start thinking about taxes. Where did this year go? How can I slow them down because I don't have that many left to just let slip away. Oh well, just make the best of it and grab what I can. ... slap! ... oops.

17-20 Oct - Wedding Bells in South Boston Va.
21 Oct - Ren Faire
14-20 Oct - Family Christmas Party in Florida
?? Nov - Act 2 of the Drama "Life at the Davis Compound" staring Billy Joe Jim Bob Davis

Wild Mom - away at camp so the Telephone Company is going through lay-offs resulting from the loss of capital. There was a report of some mysterious human form terrorizing the woods of Northwest Florida but Wild Mom denies any knowledge. That was after I reminded her to scrape the mud from her shoes and remove the twigs from her hair as not to get the inside of her tent dirty.

Lady - busy as usual but getting tired of the 40 hour weeks. She leaves Tuesday to go down and help Jessi get the final things ready for the wedding ... gee, 1 week to go.

#1 - No words from the land of snow and bunnies. Either he has found work and is too busy or he has run out of money and can't find a free long distance phone.

#2 - Unemployed once again. Enough said.

Lew - such a gang-buster. He loves the rocking horse and we love the fact the sound box on it died!

Star - Busy, nervous, busy, nervous as she gets ready for the big day. Gee, eloping sure looks better all the time. Finding rooms for the guests are complicated by the NASCAR race nearby this weekend. Why can't they postpone the race for a week and make our life easier? What is more important -- a wedding or those midfield antics where a race springs up?

Princess - Not much to say since she is usually in bed shortly after I get home. School comes early. By the time I get home and eat my microwave hot dinner she is snoring away in tune with the stereo. Have you ever heard anyone snore in time with rap?

#1 Brother - No updates because he is getting ready for Wild Mom to invade England and also she is away camping.

#2 Brother - Need to call him and find out how his world is spinning ... Wild Mom's directions .. and who argues with the BigFoot of NW Florida.

Sister - Not a clue ...

Utah scene - No words from Mormonville but we will hopefully see them in November when they return home from their trek across America.

********** SOAP BOX **********

Let me see, the Democrats want to know when and how much the Republicans knew of the Perverts actions and then to run them out of Congress. That is such a close knit group I would ask when and how much did the Democrats know and elect not to say anything about until it was a political advantage too? Do the pages only talk to the Republicans? No Democratic page knew of what was happening and decided not to say anything? I am sure if you look hard enough you will fine Mr. Pervert had democratic friends even though now they are hiding back in their closets.

I keep hearing how the majority party hasn't done its job so we should vote them out. Well, there are two parties in Congress and no one has done anything about Medicare, Social Security, the Budget, Giving a definition to "Marriage", or the Immigration Issue from South of the Border. So fire the whole lot of these Congress persons, both Republican and Democrat for not doing their job. We all know after the Iraqi war is finished they will appoint a hundred or so Investigative Committees to point the finger ... so let's join forces now, get the job done, and then play the blame game when American Troop's lives aren't on the line. But then again, these Congress persons are safe in their padded offices with their pages at their beck and call and besides there are more important things like ... Photo Ops and investigating drug usage in Baseball.

I heard one person ask what could be done to make schools safe again like it was for our parents. Well, for starters:

1. Allow corporal punishment and put the teachers back in charge of their classes. Make school a place of learning not a day care center for babysitting.
2. Put prayer back in school.
3. Teach them the 10 Commandments and how that affects the Laws of the land.
4. Teach them Citizenship and how to be a good neighbor instead of website design and Homosexual History.
5. Teach them Responsibility for their actions and hold them accountable instead of coping out and blaming so called abusive authority figures and the "Environment I grew up in made me do it". Quit letting excuses be the plea for avoiding personal responsibility.
6. Make a Human life worth something by stopping the killing of innocent unborn children. When someone takes a life ... refer back to #3.
7. Get rid of Liberal Judges that think they know more than what the voters want. If we vote for a law .. then don't change it. This is America and the place where the majority rules ... right ... or did I get kidnapped and hauled away to some island in never-never land. 1 hand-picked judge (buddy of an elected person) should not be allowed to throw out what 100,000 people wanted and legally voted for.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

The Weekend is Over?

Sniff ... the weekend is over and I am not ready for it to end. While it was fun this weekend, I wish it had been quieter and more of a laid back time. I am leaning strongly to make a few serious changes around the first of the year. I would like to have my personal time back and quit this run ... run ... run thing. Bowling was a positive experience this weekend with the Youth team going 4-0 this afternoon and the Sunday Night league went 7-0. Saturday we got the HD stuff setup on the new TV and the ball games sure look nice.

Wild Mom - getting ready for her Camp time and planning her trip to England. Health wise she is still getting that all straightened out. Looks like we will be down there in November and she will come back with us and then leave for England from here.

Lady - went to South Boston to see Jessi and pick up Princess's bridesmaid dress. Though it was a long trip she did have fun. Working 40 hours for her is wearing very thin and not much fun. Maybe we will just pull the plug and retire.

#1 - settling in to life in Colorado Springs. Hopefully he will find a job soon and get his life on track.

#2 - also tiring a bit of the working hours ... welcome to the world ... you only have about 45 more years to go until you retire.

Princess - The source of the wildness this weekend. Five 16-17 year olds had a sleep over on Friday night. Life will never be the same for me ... I can still hear the giggles and squeals in my ears. They were a lot of fun to listen to as they chatted. Sometimes I really had to bite my lip to keep from laughing but it was informative as to their logic and impressions of life.

Lew - Three years old now. Chucky Cheese was the party scene. Of course, the presents keep rolling in with the new hobby horse being the biggest. Oh, and plenty of puzzles to solve. He and I walked around the mall Saturday afternoon and that was an adventure. We couldn't pass a merry-go-round without at least a couple of rides. Add some food and we had an adventure.

Brother #1 - Kidney problems and the full extent of the problems are still being evaluated by the doctor. Any trip to visit Wild Mom will have to wait until 2007.

Brother #2 - No news is good news I guess.

Utah Scene - well, they are heading back to Florida to live. I guess life in mormonville just didn't pan out. Probably not enough Ren faires .. since those would be considered demonic. The journey continues ...

Monday, October 02, 2006

Chomp - Chomp

Well, this past weekend was quiet and relaxing and well worth the wait. The cabin was nice and the fireplaces and the hot tub added a great touch to make it seem cozy and warm. We did exactly what we wanted .. nothing. No TV, news, computers or traffic, all we did was relax, talk, read, and soak in the hot tub even while it rained, rode through the mountains and forests and generally forgot about the world. The dinner Saturday night at the Inn was great and something we will do again. I managed this weekend to read "The Copper Scroll" by Joel Rosenberg. It was good and makes me think of the end time and what could happen. For the most part everyone managed to do just what they wanted.

Though the weekend will generate memories, the start of the week brings frustration and the start of a "screw it attitude." Trying to be highly motivated is getting harder and harder when the ones that are supposed to know better keep getting air bubbles in their brains. Even when you work hard and help them they very quickly forget you were even there until reminded at some later time. I guess I should just start saying "no" more often. Perhaps implement a ratio of 35 No's for every Yes. January 1st looks better and better if I can put up with it that long.

Lady - all relaxed and ready for the job wars again.

Wild Mom - nothing new to report or at least nothing has been reported to the police to get back to me.

#1 - arrived in Colorado on Sunday night. The trip was uneventful just long. To bad the Jaguars lost to the Deadskins. Maybe should become a Bronco, Rockies and Nuggets fan.

#2 - Still working. Just needs to understand you can spend a dollar only once then you must get another one. Debit cards will mess you up when it comes to tracking those elusive bucks.

Star - not a good Sunday for her but we gave her a lot of virtual hugs and will make them real in a couple of weeks when she gets married. Hmmm, will that make her an old married lady? Hmmm.

Princess - the tattoo wars start again ... now it is 3 shooting stars streaking across some unmentionable place where only her and her maker should see. That is if she wears clothes that cover more than 20% of her body. School is proceeding in a satisfactory manner or at least we haven't got a phone call from the front office. Now I just need to get her to Ft. Belvoir to get some paper work down. I would have expected more of a push from her to do it since it means ... getting out of school.

Lew - he is fixing to be 3 years old ... can you imagine?

#1 Brother, #2 Brother, #1 Sister and the Utah Scene will be updated later when I hear of anything.

##########

Thank God the Baseball season is over with. No more Juicer Bonds to hear about. Though "Arrested" would be a good word.

The Nationals finished last despite Frank Robinson's best effort to motivate them. Now the owner will work his magic and set up the team for another year at the bottom. You would think a man so smart to make that much money wouldn't be so clueless in everything Baseball or be a better pick of people to help him. Thanks Frank Robinson ... you are a class act.

Gee, another Congressman who is corrupt or sexually depraved. For a group of men who are supposed to represent the best we have ... they sure find ways to be more evil than the convicts in the Federal prisons. Could we say going to prison is a step up the promotion ladder for a Congressman? Maybe Teddy (The Dunker) Kennedy can give lessons on how to get caught and get away with the crime and still appear honorable. For a group of "leaders" that can't do their job ... no budget, no social security reform, no Medicare reform, a war with no real direction, no legislation on same sex marriages, no guidance on abortion ... these people sure make up for it in graft, crime, bribery, alcohol, sex, and immorality. They will fight over the littlest attempt to change our path back to where it should be. I agree that it is time to clean house and try to reverse this downhill slide in morals and integrity. Let this be the year of "No Incumbents."

Monday, September 25, 2006

Hmmm

Well, another week starts and the wedding gets ever closer. So I will sit here with one eye on the ball game and jot down a few thoughts. On the work scene, the new job closed on a new location and it looks like April 1st is the move in date. Go figure, it conflicts with my National Bowling trip. But they all ready know which one gets the priority. Train Ride to Reno anyone? The old job is proceeding great though little headaches crop up on a regular basis. This weekend is our planned retreat to a mountain cabin where we went last year for a great time with friends. Hmmmm. Weekend bowling went ok .. it could have been better but we did have some fun.

Lady - shopping trip success as she purchased a dress and 2 pant suits. Let the modeling begin. Like me, she is looking forward to this coming weekend.

Wild Mom - doing fine. She is waiting for the test results and follow-up discussions with the doctors.

#1 - looks like this weekend is moving day as he heads for Colorado. Lots to do to get ready.

#2 - haven't seen a lot of him as he works and spends time with his friends. Wonder when the "I want to drive" questions will start?

Star - she was up here this past weekend as a good friend died in an automobile accident here last Sunday night. She also had to deal with her grandmother in Arizona passing away on the same day. So we tried to smother her with love and I drove her home on Saturday. I had to get back for El Agave! :) Of course she returned with more wedding goodies ... gee less than a month to go. But it was nice to have her here a few days. BTW - I got everything for my uniform so I can do what she wants for the wedding.

Princess - where do I start? Let me see, she ate, slept, and worked. Add some friends, a box of pudding cups, a 24 pack of soda and she is in heaven. Oh, the court papers with signatures finally showed up and made it legal. Now she can't escape .. She is stuck with us forever. Almost a month now and the car is still in one piece.

Brother #1 - add on kidney problems to the list.

Brother #2 - No words as he get another year older.

Utah Scene - must be ok as no news is good news.

############################################

How sad ... there is a Crescent Badge that Muslims can wear on the Air Force uniform. When will I get to wear a United Methodist badge on my uniform? The more I see the more I believe that our greatest enemy isn't in front of us ... the enemy is inside. The bleeding hearts will give everything we have away ... with no fight. They have fought to keep religion out of everything but now they let our enemies advertise and flaunt their religion in front of us. What is next? We all wear Middle Eastern head gear as a sign of support and surrender? We have suspended the immigration laws because we don't have the will to uphold and enforce the laws ... so now let our uniform make a religious statement. Shame on the Military leaders that allowed this.

I am glad the Baseball season has nearly come to the end. I have managed to not watch any games while Juicer Bonds continues to break honestly set records by great athletes.

Monday, September 18, 2006

Scooby Doo

Well, another week has passed and the end of the week was great. We spent all day Saturday with Jessi just chillin out. We were able to watch her pose for her bridal portraits. Two things came to mind as we watched her. First, how PREPPIE she looked. That is quite a change from the old Jessi we know. She was beautiful with only a small distraction of the sports socks with her wedding shoes. Secondly, we were amazed how well she listened and followed directions. I find that a novel concept from her. Really, spending my birthday with her was special and a day I won't forget for a long time, if ever at all.
We also saw her graduation pictures and gee, am I the handsome one? She did take some pictures while we were down there, so maybe I can get a copy and put them up here. That is the good ones I approve of!

Schedule:
Cheat River getaway (Sept 30)
Jessi's Wedding (Oct 20)
Ren Faire (Oct ??)
Family Christmas party in Florida (Nov 16)
Time to plan a cruise (Soon)

Lady - Bought her a sparkly dress so she could slink along the aisle and sparkle as she wiggles. Gee, the image of a bull in a china shop comes to mind ... it is like waving a red flag in front of my eyes.

Wild Mom - she is back to driving herself and the tests continue. Hopefully they will find out what is wrong with her. My bet is on old age and early onset geezerhooditis. :)

#1 - Still in the holding pattern for the exodus to Colorado. If they wait long enough they can do it in the snow.

#2 - not much to say excepts he works and clean the food out of the fridge by eating everything not marked or sealed up with a lock.

Star - Love you and thanks for a great day. Can we do it again?

Princess - School, Homework, Study. Hopefully this week they will finalize the guardianship since the Judge forgot to do it on the 1st of August. Gee, you know that leaves me a few days to change my mind!! Hmmmm. No, I am willing to stick it out for a long time. Though she needs to practice her wrestling style. She has won as many bedtime wrestling matches as the Redskins have won football games. For the un-informed -- 0-2-0. Gee, add in preseason and it grows to 0-6-0!! Oh, back to Princess. I need to teach her how to guard the front door so those wild and vicious kittens don't run into the house. I should point out that the baseball l bat beside the door makes a good kitten stopper except for the thud sound. Perhaps I should change her name from Princess to Puddin ... she eats that stuff by the case, particularly the chocolate variety.

Lew - he is almost 3 and parroting everything he hears. We haven't seen him a lot as our schedule has been so crazy.

Brother #1 - Nothing new.

Brother #2 - Still waiting for a return call.

Sister #1 - Is she home yet? Perhaps her getaway was so good they never came back.

Utah scene - maybe they have converted and away on mission!!

Monday, September 11, 2006

Whoosh!

Let me see. It is a new week and I don't see much change. First I was asked how the network rebuild was coming along. I replied, “Slow since I have to deal with all these printer issues. I was then told to prioritize and get the network done while the printers limped along in second place especially since they had been messing up for 2 years. Ten minutes later, I hear an anguish cry from the end of the hall about how I MUST get the printers fixed since he couldn’t print something he wanted.

We are now back into full swing on the bowling scene. The youth league is a short one ... 13 weeks ... but should be a lot of fun. I am a little disappointed in the turn out for it but all I can do is make it that much more fun for those that did turn out. It looks like every team has at least one good bowler and we don't have any three adult/1 child teams. Sunday night is going true to form, we sink to the bottom and then about mid-November we start our climb back into contention. Don't know why this happens but it has for most of the last 14 years of bowling on that league.

Wild Mom - she has tests this week on Tuesday and Thursday. I hope they get the electrodes hooked up right or she might look like the Bride of Frankenstein after they zap her. She is having a fence put up to keep that canine killer called Bubbles from terrorizing all the poor kittens nesting under her shed.

Lady - fighting off a sore back. I think a new BBQ grill and bathroom would make her feel better. She is starting to plan and scheme over our retreat to Cheat River on the 29th of September.

#1 - Getting close though the exact date is unknown. It was nice to see that he admires me so much he cut all his hair off to be just like me. :)

#2 - Gee, work doesn't seem as much even fun though payday is. I enjoy reminding him he has 40-50 more years to go. The next major milestone is getting his learners permit to be closely followed with a license.

Star - Will I get lucky and see her this weekend? Sure hope so. I wonder how many stares she would get if I walked behind her jingling my pocket change to make people think her piercing were making the noise. Of course I would be very discreet and not let anyone know I did it!

Princess - The drama play was interesting but the ending lacked something. The funny thing about a carnival is that I don't like roller coaster rides. So don't try and pull me into a waiting car. The first week of school is done and I believe all went well the first few days. The weekend job continues (for reasons I don't completely understand) but it is her choice so I have to accept it or risk the fury of Lady. Saturday had some crisis concerning hair color and after a phone call and an appointment on Sunday afternoon she is now a blonde again. Gee, I like having very short hair, there is a lot to be said for wash and wear.

#1 Brother - still recovering but no real update.

#2 Bother - School, work and a baby. Not sure what he does with all his free time.

Sister - on a trip somewhere having fun.

Utah scene - all is happy in LDS land.


No comment on the Curly W’s or the Deadskins …. 

I have a chance to go see the orioles and twins play … could it be worthwhile?

Thursday, September 07, 2006

10, 9, 8, ... Blast Off

Well, it has been a few days since my last entry. If this week keeps going like it has then my working days will come to an end very quickly. It isn’t worth the frustration and crap and they surely don’t pay me enough to deal with it. Today has been nothing but printer and mail problems and most of then have been “operator error”. Before complaining to me ... make sure the blinkin thing is turned on, or push the “send/receive” button to get your mail. If there is a problem and I am sitting at my desk, don’t call someone else at home about the problem. Get your hind end up, walk to my office, call me on my cell, or just call me on the office phone. Jeesh. There have been a few moments when I was this close --> <-- to pulling the plug and heading for the pasture. After almost a year, you would expect a few people would know when my work shift is? I love the phone call that starts with, “Hi, are you coming to work today?” This was at 8:30 am and my shift doesn’t start till 1:00 pm. Or the “The printer has been broke all day, I send it a job this morning and I MUST get the job printed soon.” Forget the fact you send an 11x14 document to the 8x10 tray and the printer was paused waiting for you to put the right paper in.

Then there are those that try and fix a computer and they don’t have the foggiest clue what they are doing. Such as “does it matter whether the hard drive or the floppy drive is the master?” “Where do I plug the cable to in order to make the hard drive the master?” “What jumpers (master/slave), you move the cable, I know that much.” “Do you have a new cable, this one is bad … one wire is discolored (the red edge signifying pin 1) and will probably short the drive out.” My fun meter has been dropping quicker than the fuel needle in a 69 Mach 1 Mustang with the gas pedal on the floor board.

Well, so much for my typical day this week at work. Even at home it continues and with half grown adult kids you would think the simplest thing could get done. Such as turn out the lights and lock the door when you go to bed. Even after I turn them off they come back on and no one did it. Poltergeist? I wake up for who knows what reason and every light is on in the kitchen, living room, hallway and the outside floods. Maybe I live in a prison compound and we need the lights to control the inmates! I surely can see it in the electric bill and the electric company employees love it at bonus time. Forget the trash being emptied every night … let’s feed the ants a midnight snack, for they have plenty of light to see what they are doing.

Maybe one day I can afford a motorized garbage can … because this manual one I have never makes it to the curb for pickup. The kitchen table is a bonanza for the sorting freaks of the world. The mail gets placed there, it is read and then put back into the pile, then add the next days and it starts over. I must sort it into piles 4 times a week only to see it all mixed up again. It must be either too heavy, junk, or too much of a mental challenge to put it away. Then they have the stomach to complain about it getting wet when the cat knocks over the half empty glass of whatever. It also amazes me how we can have 6 cases of canned soda, 2 pictures of tea and I go get a drink and there is NO Tea. My how every one disclaims drinking it as evidenced by the number of empty cans that were unable to be put into the recycle bin for the non-existent trip to the curb. I must be blinded by the light and didn’t see them, who knows.

The list goes on but I will remain civil, keep this PG and not really say what is wrong! Besides, I need to get busy and work to pay the electric bill.

Lady – getting tired also but she is smiling as she has a new futon and is eyeing a new grill now. Is this the start of the puppy, hamster, and car cycle in its new form?

Wild Mom – initial word on the MRI isn’t encouraging but it is best to wait until the doctor reviews it and decides what is next. She sold a purse from her web site, the sad part is someone lost their Christmas gift from her now that it has sold.

#1 – leaves in about 2 weeks. Retraction from last post … he doesn’t sit around playing games all the time as I stated. Just 4-6 hours a day or when ever I see him … which ever comes first.

#2 – still working and gone the rest of the time.

Star – miss you and hope to see you soon.

Princess – School is priority 1.

No updates from Brother #1, Brother #2, Sister #1 or the Utah Scene.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Oliver T. Shagnasty

This has been an interesting week. Quite exciting for the work but quite tiring on the old body. Job #2 is a lot of fun with some of the management decisions made at Job #1 really suck in my opinion. But then again I don’t have the power to change them so I just have to grin and bear it. But believe me; their armor is a bit more tarnished. Lady and Princess went to Lynchburg to shop with Star. Sure wish I could have gone and saw my #1 daughter but someone had to work to pay for that shopping trip.

Lady - Busy, Busy, Busy. Got her dress for Star's wedding but still needs shoes. We both are looking forward to our little excursion to Cheat River the end of this month.

Wild Mom - She is whacking all those poor pine trees down as a precaution before they fall on the house during the next big storm. She goes to the doctor next week for a series of tests. She could just pay me the dollars and I would tell her what is wrong with her. :) !!!

#1 - still waiting. Now that his friend's mom is doing better they might make some plans. I wish I could sit there all day and play video games but then again ... that would be pretty boring.

#2 - Still working and getting use to the routine. Eat, sleep, goof off and then work.

Star - Miss you young lady, I wanted to go but had to stay behind. You continue to make us proud and only want the absolute best for you. Besides, I need to get to the base and get my uniform ordered and all the stuff put on it. How special are you? I will wait and tell you in person ... words won't convey how much.

Princess - Seeing how she likes tattoos’ perhaps I can help her out and accomplish something at the same time. I will have them tattoo "School is #1 Priority" on the inside of her eye lids so she can be reminded all night long. We could tattoo "Be a kid, stop working" on her forehead so she could read it as she puts her makeup on as she prepares for work. You lose the ability to effectively whine and complain if you put aside or nit picks any suggestions. Do we love her? Absolutely. Do we agree on some of her choices? Nope. Only a few days until school starts!!! :)

Lew - Growing though we haven't seen him a lot lately. We really have to watch what we saw because he is going through a phase of saying anything he hears, no matter how appropriate it is for the moment or location.

#1 Brother - not much to report. Rehab, discussions with his employer about the future, and life in general.

#2 Brother - leave it at "No Comment."

Utah Scene - No reports, so we assume the best and hope for the best.

Looks Like A Match

You Are 37% Impulsive

You're a pretty stable and serious person. You don't take things lightly.
This doesn't mean you can't have fun - you just have fun responsibly.
You definitely have a spontaneous side, but you only let loose when it's appropriate.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Short Two

The first night of bowling went very well. No one embarrassed themselves and we had dessert at Applebee’s afterwards as a reward for being so good. The wedding was nice on Saturday and we even managed to get Mexican Food later on.

Work continues to be interesting but I believe some major changes are in the making. Lady and I had a quiet discussion while we were riding to and from the wedding on Saturday. It comes down to priorities and right now our sequence is a little fowled up. Maybe I should just retire and let the world pass on by. Taking a quick look, I could do it as soon as Thanksgiving, and absolutely by the New Year.

Not much on the family scene that is nothing I want to get into right now. I wanted to call Jessi after watching the wedding as it made me think of her. Sometimes you just want to box the kid’s ears since obviously they don't listen to an adult. Or is it just too easy to blow you off? Oh well, it gives the opportunity to blow off steam and dance around the room in a frenzied manner. Maybe I can even remember a few dirty 4 letter words and pepper the speech with them. :)

School Days just keep marching closer ... Oh the sweet sound of the march.

##### ##### #####

Hmmm, I guess the Press is sucking egg off their face with the announcement that Karr's DNA isn't a match. He may just be nothing more than a publicity hound and set the press up with hardly any effort at all. Those news hounds sucked up the bait faster than my dog eats a piece of meat. Too bad they give the "REAL JOURNALISTS" a bad name. It seems that getting the scoop first and then analyzing it to ad nauseum is their way of padding the ratings and their pocket books.

I am saddened to hear the Phonak team has disbanded as a result of Landis's scandal. Right or wrong he has taken a good bunch of riders down. It would be nice to know the "Real Story."

Hail to the DEADSKIN's

Saturday, August 26, 2006

A Short One

Well, it is Saturday morning and the end of another week. Will someone stop the treadmill and let us off? We have a wedding to go to today and that should take up most of the midday. No Mexican food but Wedding cake instead. Sunday evening is the start of a new bowling season. Half the fun of the first night is seeing who the new people are, but amazingly we only have about a 20% turnover.

School starts soon!!!!!

##### ##### #####

I guess Nagin has botched things so bad in New Orleans he has to deflect the heat to himself by referring to where the World Trade Center once stood as "a hole in the ground." From where I stand, a mark of a great leader is the ability during adversity is to get the job done (rebuild New Orleans) in spite of the failure of others (La State and US Govt.). Instead of taking charge he plays a game of blame and "it is not my fault."

Please, quit talking about Captain Highpants (Karr) twice in every news segment. He doesn't deserve the recognition.

I just wonder when we will take Terrorism seriously and our Politicians quit playing party politics and do what is right for the United States of America? Those fanatical clerics in Iran are telling us they will do everything they can to destroy the United Sates, not to mention Israel. They are close to making their promise good. Time after time they preach our destruction and we stand by doing nothing because the Democrats and Republicans are arguing over how to get votes. They fail to realize if they blow this the donkey and elephant will be extinct and they will have to work for a living once again.

All is quiet on the steroid world. This is how they succeed, be silent and sneak past us. Juicer Bonds will get the title by sneaking up on it while MLB sticks its head in the mud at home plate.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Excusssssse me!

Wow, has it been that long since I wrote anything? I must be getting old ... Time is flying by as the jobs are keeping me moving. It is nice to have control and rebuild a network the way I think it should be built. I have no one to blame if it goes haywire and doesn't do what it should. I do miss having my free time but the $$ are nice.

Wild Mom - is doing fine but we have to figure out what is causing her dizzy spells. Could it be Beer? Too much Perfume? Old Age? A new Boy Friend? or simply high on life? Time will tell as she is being tested by her doctor. Pssst .... Bigger Needle!!

#1 - No change. Still in a holding pattern as to the exact day he will leave.

#2 - Still working and learning about life. It is tough learning to deal with customer issues even if you are right and they are wrong.

Jessi - sure would be nice to see her. I miss her piercings and all. She is investigating an offer to get into management with Pizza Hut. From where she was to being the Boss. Wow! Keep it up Jessi ... I like being proud of my daughter and being able to brag about her.

Lew - Buy the kid his own cup of ice cream and what does he do? Let it melt as he mooches sips of my milkshake. Grrrr.

Princess - Where does one start. We are finally getting the court paperwork so we do our legal stuff for her ID card and health care. She loves sucker bets. She bet me her room would be clean yesterday (Wednesday) ... it is Thursday and guess what? Her nice clean car lasted almost two weeks ... maybe I should get her a trunk monkey to clean it up? Life is good and she is a joy to have around. Though sometimes a roll of duct tape would come in handy. EMT training is now back on the front burner but school is still #1 in my book. Driving the car while text messaging and looking at guy's bums is a great way to have a bad day and least from the perspective of her new car!

Brother #1 - No new words lately.

Utah Scene - No words from there either ... but seeing how they are way out west ... Customs takes a while to clear the Postman and the quarantine time for his horse slows the mail way down.

##### ##### #####

Man, I am already fed up and tired of the Karr crap hogging the news time. Back off News Service, they haven't even charged him yet because they haven't determined if they have a case and you are already shade tree lawyering him. We went through this 10 years ago. Give us a break.

If Virginia Police want to enforce Aggressive Driving .... Then watch the Taxi drivers ... they are horrible and completely disregard the rules if they think they can get away with it (i.e. no policeman around to see). I laughed the other day as a Taxi stopped for a red light, waited a few minutes and then run it when no cross traffic was coming .. Only to go two blocks and go to a 7-11 to get a Big Gulp. I tried to speak to one the other day when he nearly ran me over in a crosswalk while I had the walk signal. That was fruitless as he couldn't speak English and obviously didn't know the friggin road rules. He must be driving on his Bombay license. And the examples go on ... and on ... and on!

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Saturday Night Alive

Let me see. Lady's computer died (Hard Drive) and I am sitting here watching the new one as it setups. I pulled one out of my bag of many Computers and wouldn't you know it, it had bad memory. So now I am running memory tests and they are boring. So, I will try and write a few lines while the test runs.

In the Future:
Ren Faire - Sept.
Cheat River overnight - Sept.
Maxx’s Baptism - Sept.
Someone’s Wedding - Oct.
Family Christmas party - Nov.

Lady - is fine just working and trying to keep up with Lou this weekend. I wonder who will win that race. She still hasn’t parked the new car long enough for me to drive it. I suspect when it needs gas I will get a chance to drive it and to pay for the gas.

Wild Mom - she is doing fine. A little frustrated trying to get some carpentry work done and no one will take the job unless they are overcharging her. Patient waiting is the key. I haven’t got any money from her so I guess the Internet sales are a little off.

#1 - still waiting to head for Colorado. His day is mainly playing some Football Coach video game. I never cease to amaze me who someone can sit and play a game so long. Oh well, at this point he won’t change so no since fretting over it.

#2 - is working and getting a taste of the working world. He sounds like he is enjoying it but at times it does get frustrating. Especially when a customer makes a scene over being shorted 1 cent. He quickly agreed to give the dork a penny but the man wanted to make a scene. A five-finger sandwich in the mouth would have been the better pay-off.

Jessi - Went dress shopping for the bridesmaids this week and we haven’t heard anything yet. I suppose she is too busy cruising South Boston with her new convertible and checking the guys out. She has potentially found a caterer and the price is reasonable. Looking at pictures this week of our last visit to her and Keith’s apartment made me really miss her and brought back some major memories of how much fun that day was. Could be roll the clock back to 2003 and start over?

Princess - work, driving the car and being with friends is about all I can say. I know she has been a faithful visitor to the County Fair.

My thoughts - Her schedule is opposite of our schedule and we don’t see her much. Kind of like providing a motel for her and the only way we know she was here was the dirty bathroom. I guess she is planning to work both jobs (so I have been told by others) and that will definitely keep our paths on opposite tracks. I guess the sad part is the plans and hope that get side tracked because we never see her except in passing. I believe this is a result of past baggage where everyone wanted her to work all the time to keep her out of his or her hair. We are different and want her here, part of the family and involved in creating those memories that will last forever. Working all the time leaves you tired and with no memories. Maybe I am getting old but I think the family is more important. I just wonder?.

Brother #1 - Still basically blind but he can make out forms. The brain is basically dead where the blood clot was and his brain will have to reroute the signals. That is the unknown for it could take 1 day, 1 year, or never. He is talking of coming over here to see Wild Mom. No details yet but shortly there will be.

Utah scene - no new news. They are both working and looking forward to pay raises when they finish the training period.

Time to take Lou for some ice cream and fun!

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Shazam

Let me see, it has been a few days since I wrote anything. The job at radio America continues. I have never seen a network so hosed up. About all I can do is start over and do it right this time. Other than that everything is going well. A few things I wish for but as usual I wait.

Lady just returned from a weekend get-away with her best friend. You would expect two ladies of considerable experience to know not to get sunburned. But they did and yes they are paying the price. The good thing is that when we go to Cheat River in late September the odds of sunburn are less though the odds of snow and ice are greater.

Wild Mom - finally has her web page up. Can you believe she won't share the profits with me .. her poor son who slaved over getting it done? Sniff. Here is the URL for her site if you care to browse it.

http://knight.blackhawke.net/~kraftyme/

#1 - working odd jobs and getting ready to head west. I hope he stays away from Brokeback Mountain; the water does funny things to you. He loves having his car back. Can you believe he washed it but didn't offer to wash my car?

#2 - is into his second week of working. So far so good. The Davis Taxi service is doing well that is when he uses it. Never call someone to take you to work when that person has a major problem getting there themselves.

Jessi - what can I say? She is special. Our visit last week was great and worth doing again soon. She has a new car now. I believe it is a 1989 Chrysler LeBaron convertible. I will have to make sure I wear a hat so my hair won't blind us when I ride in it next time. The wedding draws ever closer and the nerves get more on edge. Keith is blowing his off in the Kingdom of Loathing. :)

Princess - were does one start? She is putting the miles on the new car and Exxon loves it. Her hamster would have more play room but they brought the last of her stuff over and her room is packed with boxes not to mention our family room. She still works at Glory Days :( but fewer days. She found out last night the County Fair is an expensive place for what you get. That is why we do the Ren Faire in a few weeks. But she is a kid and the barf-mobile rides excite her as she is squashed against the side of the car. Less than a month to school ... snicker ... snicker. Her first bowling league is over with and she did very well. She listened to me as much as she listens to me in real life.

From the Utah scene comes word there will be a new arrival in April. Congrats!! By the way if you are born in Utah does that automatically make you a Mormon and for baby gifts you send black pants, white shirts and a bicycle?

Brother #1 – still has a long way to go. He can see but everything is basically a blur. His heart test showed no clots just that it was enlarged. Time will tell.

##### ##### #####

I hope Floyd Landis can explain his actions but deep down inside I feel his desire to win was greater than his integrity would bear. If he did have abnormally high levels, why didn't he ever test positive before and have that issue settled before the Great race? It makes you wonder what sports record you can trust as being "honestly achieved?"

That disgraced Congresswoman ... what can you say. She assaulted a police officer then played the racist card and now that she LOST the election she is spouting off again. Come on lady, the people voted and they said they wanted a person with integrity and a small amount of honesty. The electronic ballots didn't decide to make you lose ... you mouth punched one too many racist comments and people remembered.

Israel should have never stopped. When they smashed Hezbollah against the Iranian border they would have fled Lebanon and left the Country to grow right. I still vote to turn Syria and Iran into a big sheet of glass before they try it on us. And if they timed the strike to when a few liberal bleeding heart democrats fact finding tours were there that would be icing on the cake.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Shucks!

Well, it is a new week. I started the new contract with Radio America and it is exciting. I actually have two people who want to help. They had been holding the fort down since the departure of the last IT person. It is an awesome task but standing here in front of a blank canvas it seems like a lot of fun. Work continues to go well on the Radio side though I have gotten a pretty good baptism in Transmitters these last two weeks. I sure hope they hold together for the next two weeks.

Wild Mom continues to dream up new projects. She even finds time to rattle my cage about the website.

#1 continues to do odd jobs as he gets ready to head west to the land of snow bunnies. He has brief spurts of a happy face as he has his cavalier back.

#2 started training in his new job. We haven't heard much from him so we have to assume everything is going well. Gee, 2 young men working at the same time. Is there 3 moons?

Jessi - looking good. We visited with her on Wednesday. We checked out the church for the wedding and the Amory for the reception. Looks like a plan that will come together nicely. We spent the day with her and ate lunch where she works. It is so great to see her happy and excited about the future. If we could only do something about the piercings.

Princess - gets older. Monday was her birthday and we ended the day with a little get together with friends and ate some ice cream cake. Though it was hard to keep her attention since all she thought about was her new car. Well, at least for 5 minutes the puppy was forgotten. She changed her mind and went back to work at Glory Days, not a good choice in my opinion but she has to learn and we can only ask so much.

No new words from Brother #1 or the Utah scene.

***** ***** *****
Well, I guess Landis got speeding (cheating). It is sad to see such a great performance wiped out but then again, if he was juiced just how great was the performance? He says he has naturally high levels. Well, then why did he never get caught and tested before? I guess professional sports will eventually be the home of the Professional Dope addict where they play a game during their briefly lucid moments.

Go for it Israel. Show us how to conduct a war against the terrorist. It is about time we stop molly coddling these killers and apply the same justice to them -- death. Let's make all of Lebanon the buffer zone and through a little Iran and Syria in for good measure.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Slip Sliding Away

Well, another week comes to an end. The week started out blazing hot but today was rather nice, low 90's and breezy. I have my new car back and love it. They installed a DVD/Navigation system, XM radio and a 6-CD Changer. That makes lots of new toys to learn how to use. I did find out today that the salesman and one other person are gone as a result of the deal that I received. I am torn for the salesman was nice and we found a lot of common ground to chat about as we looked at cars. Will I give the car back or refund them some money? Nope!! Hmmm, 68% open-minded ... pretty good for a hard headed knucklehead.

Wild Mom - Doing fine. She is just waiting for me to fix her website in all my free time. Sometimes I think it would be better to move her in with us … errrr … slap … slap … where did that thought come from? Random thoughts of craziness, I must be catching a bug again.

Lady - getting finer all the time. She is slipping back into her exercise regime. Trying to talk her into a short cruise, like 5 days to the Bahamas. We have been looking for a new car for her as #1 will take her old one with him to Colorado. Car shopping with her is an experience. Logic versus emotion.

#1 - is working a construction job to get some money for his trip to Colorado later this month.

#2 - is getting ready to start his new job as a cashier at a local grocery store. Last night was an experience as he filled out the paperwork. Was I like that at that age? We laughed a lot. He is also going to be baptized at his church very soon. That will also be an interesting experience, one that we are happy to see.

Jessi - Just can't wait to see her. Does that feeling mean I love her? That would be one feeling that I would not fight. I am extremely proud of her and love to brag about her accomplishments.

Princess - hmmmm!!!!! Puppy-car-Hamster-Job ... say 50 times as fast as you can and then repeat once an hour. She gave her notice to her Glory Days boss and plans to return to Yorkshire restaurant for weekend work. Don't mind my hair laying about in clumps ... what little there is. I have my beliefs as does her and Lady. Will we see eye to eye? Probably not but she is a young adult and capable of making her own decisions whatever the consequences. I wonder how much more stuff will fit in her room. Is there a sale on shoe horns or a cheap sale on 20x40 storage sheds?

Brother #1 – He is still having major health problems following the strokes and now legal ones as one of the people he hit sues him for damages.

Utah Scene – there is not much to report. They made it in a round about way and with only minor delays.
You Are 68% Open Minded

You are a very open minded person, but you're also well grounded.
Tolerant and flexible, you appreciate most lifestyles and viewpoints.
But you also know where you stand firm, and you can draw that line.
You're open to considering every possibility - but in the end, you stand true to yourself.

Friday, July 28, 2006

Awww ...

Another week draws to a close. It has been interesting and very relaxing at the same time. The Refinance was closed my days of being in debt except for the mortgage came to an end. All that remains in getting the checks mailed. Believe me, it feels nice. I wouldn't be suprised if the blood pressure wasn't 50 points lower because the lowering of the stress level.

I would be neglect if I didn't acknowledge who made this possible. A month back I sat there one evening and had a heart to heart talk with God and asked for help and in turn made a promise. God was faithful and within his will, he made things happen. Actually he did more than I asked. Perhaps he wants to see if I step up even more. I will if at all possible. Sorry for the religious advertisement but I felt I must at least publically acknowledge his greatness and faithfulness.

Wild Mom - waiting patiently for me to get her Craft Web page done. So in my free time I will ......

#1 - The days are slowly going by as we prepare for his journey to Colorado around the 13th. We are sending him off with the cavalier. So that means I must find something for Lady. But it is the least we can do to help him start his life there.

#2 - waiting for the new job to tell him to start.

Jessi - would be nice to see her but we also have to wait for a weekend to go there. We tried last weekend but work dictated that we remain here. I can't wait to see her and TELL her how proud I am. It is easy to write it but to look someone in the eyes and say it means more.

Lew - any one have a containment kit for a little 3 year old dynamo? It is fun to be with him but at the same time exhausting. He nows says things that just make us laugh. Kind of like the "Kids say the Darndest Things" show. You never know what is next.

Princess - "hamster - puppy - car" The ususal sequence of I want and then it replays. Next Tuesday is looming ahead as it is the last court date standing between us and her being a permanent family. Not that it hasn't felt or been like that now but on Tuesday it is legally binding. Yes, she has learned the eye-batting trick and "I love you" as she tries to get what she wants. Though not completely effective yet she tries. We love you Princess and it is forever.

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

I am saddened about the Landis situation. Even if he is proven innocent, the mud has been slung and he won't be seen the same way.

Hey, MLB take a look at what the Cyclying Federation is doing. They are taking action against athletes who break the rules. MLB could use a lesson and follow suit. As the HBO commentator said, call it cheating, which is what it is plain and simple. If Juicer Bonds was a cyclist, he would already be banned and his record cleared of the wrongful records. But he is in Baseball and the Dollar rules so he plays and is cheating his way up the ladder of records. How can I teach my grandson honesty when the cheaters get glorified?

Bravo Israel for standing up for yourself and those captured men. Saddly if they were American they would be beheaded by now. Beat the Terrorists (Hezbollah) into the earth and stand for your principles. I wish more Countries would.

Monday, July 24, 2006

The Little Wire Wheel Turns some more

Well, the weekend is over and I survived. I didn't get all the rest I wanted to get but I got enough. They weekend was shortened by a bit since I had to go in for a few hours Saturday morning. I did treat myself a bit by doing a little car shopping on the way home. It seems the hours working equaled the hours car shopping. Yes, I did find one but I haven't completely sold myself on it yet. But it is pretty ... 2003 Jaguar XJ8. I guess time will tell this week if I get it.

Wild mom is doing fine. She is crafting again and even conning me into setting up her a website to show them all on.

#1 - The days grow shorter till his departure. Lady and I have many mixed feelings on this. Time will sort things out and we hope he is very successful in his plans.

#2 - He is here and there, coming and going. It looks like he has a job at a local grocery store. He is excited and we are too. Of course, the talk of a car has immediately surfaced. Also very shortly he is planning to be baptized at the church he has been attending. While we wish it would b at our church, we are just glad it is anywhere.

Jessi - just got older this weekend. We wanted to surprise her and drop in but we got sidetracked on Saturday. So we just find another time and it might be a good breaking in run for a new car. The wedding plans continue and preparations proceed. I am walking her down the aisle and that brings many happy and mixed feelings. Do I really want to give her away or do I want to keep her as my little girl forever? No, don't worry I will do what I should. She has even talked me into putting my uniform back on for the wedding. After trying the old one on after 14 years, I have decided I will need to get another one.

Princess - what can you say! Always busy and always on the go. She has been with us for over 60 days now and it has been fun. Her bowling is improving. It is fun watching her move in an attempt to try and guide the ball down the lanes. We have managed to scratch our way into 3rd place just 1 game back of 1st place. She has learned what the downfalls are of having the dog sleep with you. Those little wet puddles are an eye opener when you roll over half asleep. How can one person accumulate so much stuff in so short a time? Clothes, clothes, clothes ... and now she wants more for the new school year. With all the clothes she could wear them in layers and make sure every part of her body is covered. But no, she still manages to show a little skin. In true tradition, first started by jessi, Princess hair is a little redder. Clairol must love us.

Brother #1 - still getting the full story as to his health. The latest tells us he unable to see, his speech is really slurred, and he has a lot of trouble walking. There is a plan to put him in a rehab place to try and work with him with the goal of someday getting him back to normal and able to work.

Thursday, July 20, 2006

Quick Note 3

This week has been hot but everything is progressing well. We are refinancing the house and so far their have been no hurdles to trip us up. Fingers crossed and if everything holds we will be debt free with only a mortgage and the utilities. That will be a nice feeling after all these years.

Wild Mom is dancing in the streets. The VA came through and she will get a nice check from them since they classified Dad's death as service related. What he was medically discharged for so many years ago was determined to have caused or contributed to his death. She is breathing a sigh of relief at this great news. I heard on the news lately that there has been a massive demand on mail order catalogs from Florida.

#1 - heads for Colorado on August 10th. We have mixed emotions but wish him all the luck we can muster.

#2 - No change.

Princess - maybe she will learn that the sun burns. Twice now in this first part of the summer she has gotten a good sunburn. Wearing a bikini does have its drawbacks. Just wait till she burns her hiney .. hehehe! Her work has slowed down and the hours have decreased. That part I like for I hope she can enjoy these years and just be a kid for a while and let us grown-ups worry about everything else. 12 days to the next Court date and Liberation.

Jessi - getting prettier and prettier. Maybe that is what success does to a young Lady when everything starts going right for her. She has made us proud even though others find time to tear her down. My few words to her ... Go girl ... tell them to watch your butt for you are leaving them in your dust.

Brother #1 health is really messed up and there are many questions remaining on what is next to come.

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

Well, Juicer Bonds is feeling the heat not from MLB but the Court System.

The Tour De France is getting interesting now but I am torn because the British Open has started. Good thing for TV remotes.

Saturday, July 15, 2006

Quick Note 2

Well, another weekend is here and there is more to do than time allows. But the little bit of rest will be nice. Saturday included a brief workout at friends helping him set the trusses on his new house addition. As usual the weather didn't help as it managed to get sunny and hot just as we got to work. At least the food we had later at the Olive Garden was good but way to filling.

Tomorrow brings another day at the bowling alley as we face the #1 team. This will be a fun time as the other team is good friends and we always have a good time. The girls are doing well and it will take their best tomorrow to pull off a win.

Wild Mom continues to be on the go with this weekend taking in a craft show. Everything is fine on her end though she is dealing with one son with major health problems and one grandson heading for Utah.

#1 is partying with friends as one of them leaves for Iraq again.

#2 is also staying with friends again this weekend.

Lou is talking up a storm. He found a pair of gloves and then runs around telling us it is "Bowling time." Is there a button to turn him off? Or at least a volume control.

Jessi - no words from her, a bit unusual but nothing to worry about. Knowing her she is planning and having some fun.

Princess - having some friends over so things in her world are really hopping. Of course the puppy request continues but has to this point fallen on deaf ears.

Brother #1 - read a few pages on what has happened to him and it can be summed up as "he is in bad shape."

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Soap Box 8

Well, the week is half over just as the year is over halfway done and I am still alive, just kidding. Today was a hot one, mid 90's and tons of humidity. After the short week last week, this week seems to take forever to end.

#1 - Who knows, maybe I will just setup an automatic text insertion here to save me time. He did cut the grass this week so I must cut him some slack.

#2 - He is gone most of the time so we aren't sure what his plans are but no sign of a paycheck.

Princess - well she can finally get her panties unwadded as her car is finally fixed and ready to be picked up. Now we just have to coordinate our schedules to get over there and get it once it is paid for. The last big problem to be fixed was resetting the security code in the radio which just happened to disable the whole instrumentation cluster. And no one had saved the original number with the owner’s manual. Thanks VW! Does everyone with a 16 year old daughter go through this? Is there a pill or some magical potion to help parents survive?

Jessi - No call yesterday so we can officially say we miss hearing from her about the wedding plans. We know that she and the Maid of Honor are going dress shopping. Gee, the stores really love her.

Lou spent Monday night with us and guess what? The first thing he wanted to do was ... Bowling.

Wild Mom is slowly settling down though she too is planning on bowling in a Church league. That should prove interesting and a lot of fun for her.

Bro #1 - The day he had all the health problems (blood clot in the eye, 2 small strokes and who knows what else) managed to have three minor car accidents. What we know right now is ... he has no brain clot, no kidney problems, he is diabetic and the numbers are extremely high, he can't work for 6 weeks, he is taking a lot of medicines and is having some bad days.

Bro #2 - His son is getting married in February 2007 and the new couple is moving into their house until they can afford to be on their own. So Wild Mom will become a Great Grandmother ... will it slow her down ... not likely!

Keith - He is preparing to move to Utah this week. Keith and his wife are moving to be nearer her mom ... like right next door. He can't find a job in the local area even though there is a construction frenzy. Gee, I have heard that a lot here about the lack of jobs even though the unemployment rate is 2% and the papers report how owners are begging for employees. As he say's he can always work at MacDonald's in Utah. Surely one of the MacDonald's is hiring where he is at now. I honestly think this is a major league mistake but he has to learn the hard way if he chooses. Good luck.

So they want to ban credit cards use for on-line gambling websites. I believe they think this will stop the gambling and the possible addiction of many people. Then why in the blazes don't they do the same thing for Internet Pornography sites? If you want to stop or control one bad problem then do it for the others. Start with Gambling then do Pornography and then do Spam/Con Jobs. Is gambling a bigger problem than Pornography? Not from where I sit. I don't like either so take them both out and stop the perversion, sex abuse, and domination of the users of this medium.

Today is the first mountain leg of the Tour De France ... I can't wait to see the replay tonight.

Monday, July 10, 2006

Sizzle -- Sizzle

Summer is now upon us as it has managed to get hot and humid a few times. Summer bowling has returned and though the league is a short one it should prove to be interesting.

It always boggles the mind how someone will believe anything about someone, destructive or not, just to get a little bit of attention from the person spouting that crap. Perhaps someday they will wake up and see the person for whom they really are. The trouble is when they wake up it maybe too late to repair the damage they have inflicted.

Jessi - the plans for her wedding continue to roll along. Because of her high scores on the GED she will receive a scholarship to continue her education. Needless to say we are proud of her and how far she has come this last year.

Jen - is coming to spend her vacation with us. That should be a lot of fun for she is a special young lady to us. She stayed with us a few summers ago and that was an exciting time.

Lou - came to the bowling alley yesterday. He was so excited as we bowled. He was a one man cheering squad and I think everyone around was watching him and laughing at his enthusiasm.

I love the timing of the sports world. I can watch the Tour De France and The World Cup instead of that bunch of juicers they call Baseball All-stars. I am saddened that MLB has chosen profits over the tradition and integrity of the game.

Work, things remain the same only we learn more about certain people. I love how after you get the major problems fixed and you try to improve things people will obsess on the little things that they should really know how to do. If you call yourself a professional the least you could do is learn how to use your tools and do the basic requirements of your job.

In the RP world: I broke out of the writer’s doldrums and posted another part of the new series. Perhaps now that the ice is broken I will get back to writing.

Friday, July 07, 2006

The Little Wire Wheel Turns more

Well, we have returned from Florida nonetheless for worse for the wear and tear. We rented a GMC Envoy and it drove very nicely though the Lady didn't like the seats. The girls felt it was an easy car to sleep in and the interior provided sufficient sound deadness to cover-up their snoring. So scratch it off the list of potential new cars. Maybe it is time to try a Cadillac. It took us 21 hours to get home. Why? Because we played around in the Smokey Mountains for a few hours. The girls wanted to wade/swim in the mountain stream. So we did. They both managed to unceremoniously slip and deposit their bodies into the water ... clothes and all. Luckily the electronics were left on shore. Next we headed for Cades Cove and did the 11-mile nature drive around the cove. We saw a lot of wildlife and managed to get quite a few pictures. We even visited some of the homesteads and the girls figured that since there were no electronics available that they didn't care to live like that. Plus the bugs (what do you expect on a farm) didn't make them happy either.

#1 - spent the whole time with his friend home from Kuwait.
#2 - Not sure what he did .. He is still at some friends.

Princess - fidgety as overactive child while she waits for her car to get back from the mechanics. Just before we left we did get some of her personal affairs in order and hopefully next week we can finish it all so in August we can have no strings left. You know how a horse will sometimes stand there and kick at his stall. Well, before we left Princess did that but only she used the footboard of our waterbed. Needless to say the trip down there was made with a major league limp and some pain. Oh well, perhaps one day she will figure it out, foot vs. wood isn't an equal contest. She is fine now with only a small cut to show for it.

Wild Mom - she is like the energizer bunny just keeps going and going and going. I did manage to get a few things done on the sonny-do list but to wipe the list out would take a small army of workers. I got her computer back up and running so she can now get back on-line and chat - chat - chat. Looks like the Family Christmas party is November 18, so another road trip. Wahoo! Her furniture buying expedition turned out well. It looked nice and we did manage to sleep comfortably on the new bed even though others have complained.

My Prayer List:
Keith and his wife - they are struggling as a couple and really need some guidance.
Ken - after several wrecks yesterday, found out he is diabetic (dangerous level - one test was 12.4), a blood clot in one eye, and possibly a blood clot on the brain. They are testing that part today. Fast Times and Hard living will do it but right now he is hurting and needs our love.

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Relaxing in the Sun

Well, the trip down here was uneventful though I did have to stop once when I thought the car was broke. I kept hearing a rumbling noise that turned out to be two snoring females in the back seat. It seems they slept 99% of the trip down here. Since we have been here it has been non-stop. Visiting, eating, swimming, and sonny-do's., they never seem to end. Tomorrow we will celebrate with burgers, dogs and homemade ice cream. Good thing we were down here when Princess pulled out her new black bikini and went to the pool. At least all her boyfriends are in Virginia and couldn't see her. I always knew poodles were full of crap ... Bubbles goes outside all the time to water and fertilize the lawn.

Wild Mom is cruising along. She keeps meeting people who’s father knew wild mom in her younger (and wilder days).

The police are just as inept as those back home. I stopped at the light when it changed to red. The car next to me ran it and turned left. When the car across from me pulled by me ... it was a police car. Either he never saw the car run the red light or he didn't care. Why? Because he was too busy chatting on the cell phone he had plastered to his ear. Now I really feel safe. No wonder we have an epidemic of cell phone drivers weaving all over the road being a general nuisance and no police to stop them. It is time to address this growing problem. There is no one so important that they must drive and talk. If the call is that important ... pull your fat bottom over to the side and talk. But don't endanger my life so you can chat with your friend over nonsense.

So, the Florida pervert may walk because his rights were violated in the timing of the reading of his rights and his confession. Well, what about the young girl's rights? Does she get another chance? What amazes me is that we (Americans) all know what our rights are. We have seen it over and over on TV. We all have taken Civics in school or studied it to get your citizenship. For those too young to know or those who are handicapped or those who are mentally challenged then keep the law as it is. But for the rest of us Americans, we can't use the excuse we don't know our rights or that we weren't informed. That is a cop out and an attempt to get out of a sticky situation. For a citizen of this country, not to know your rights is no excuse for committing a crime.

Hmm, muscles not used in a long time ... I guess that is better than an unused flat clearing.

Friday, June 30, 2006

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

Thursday, June 29, 2006

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?

Thursday, June 22, 2006

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.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

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.

Friday, June 16, 2006

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.

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

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.

Sunday, June 11, 2006

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.

Friday, June 09, 2006

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.

Friday, June 02, 2006

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.

Thursday, June 01, 2006

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.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Soap Box 5

It is hard to believe that June is around the corner. We even had a 95 degree day to help make it feel real. Sometimes you wonder what you were put on the earth for. It must be for something more that what you are doing now. Life of around the house has been fun and a bit interesting. Work is more like a bad dream.

- Wild mom is turning her dog into a snake hunter.
- Princess has had a couple of nights off and it has been fun. Of course the water cannon attacks must calm down. She is slowly settling in and feeling more at home. Next week will be an adventure in getting her paperwork -- ID card, Tricare, base sticker, and new Insurance.
- Lady is settling into life on the downhill side.
- #1 and #2 show no change or any immediate prospects.
- Jessi bought her wedding dress and it looks like late October (Halloween) for the wedding. Can we wear costumes?
- Jacqui had a tooth problem but all is ok now. Sure was fun holding the babe, that was until he got fussy. Mom!!!

It is amazing how so many people are stuck on their thoughts that they are important and everyone else is not important. I love to help people when their equipment breaks but not when they try to force me into their sense of importance. Their thoughts of an emergency is nothing more than an inconvienience to me. They never even consider that they may have "broke it." It is what did I do last night to mess it up. In some cases, they ask me to setup something because they know best then grouse when it doesn't work right and when will I fix it right. And I love the ones that justify their urgency by saying boss so and so needs it now and later you ask that boss if everything was ok with it and they have no idea of what you are speaking of..

Well, Juicer Bonds did it. Even his teammates wouldn't come out and greet him. MLB has sold their integrity for the almighty buck. They might as well throw out the rules and let anyone who thinks it is worth it to juice it up and see how many records they can break.

Maybe I need to roleplay more and get back on a more even keel? Hmmmmm ...