My Fortune Today

Today, your mouth might be moving but no one is listening. Hmmmm....

Any Doubt?

Your Power Bird is an Eagle

You are spiritual and able to soar to great heights. You are a true inspiration, and many people look to you for guidance. And you are quite demanding in relationships... but you're worth it. People know that you will become even greater than you imagine.

What's Your Power Bird?

The Rules for Being Human

1. You will receive a body. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for the entire period this time around.
2. You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a fulltime informal school called life. Each day in this school you will have the opportunity to learn lessons. You may like the lessons or think them irrelevant and stupid.
3. There are no mistakes, only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error, experimentation. The "failed" experiments are as much a part of the process as the experiment that ultimately "works."
4. A lesson is repeated until learned. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned it. When you have learned it, you can go on to the next lesson.
5. Learning lessons does not end. There is no part of life that does not contain its lessons. If you are alive there are lessons to be learned.
6. "There" is no better than "here." When your "there" has become a "here" you will simply obtain another "there" that will again look better than "here."
7. Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects to you something you love or hate about yourself.
8. What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. What you do with them is up to you. The choice is yours.
9. Your answers lie inside you. The answer to life's questions lie inside you. All you need to do is look, listen, and trust.
10. This will often be forgotten, only to be remembered again.

Cherie Carter-Scott

Heart - Sore

Here that train is coming. My physical was a success, everyone is stuck with me for a long time ... sorry! I drove to work and can you believe ... Christmas music already. Did someone forget or skip Thanksgiving? I know I didn't sleep through it. Most cruise preparations are done and the final planning is taking shape. We heard from #1 and all is well in Colorado and he is gearing up for the holiday season at the store. Any bets how long his Christmas spirit lasts after the shoppers show up?

SOS (Same old Sugar) except a different piece of toast.

Mercy Me!

Well, it is hump day and the light at the end of the tunnel is shining. I know it is bad to wish time would fly faster especially since I am on the downhill slide of life. But, I do want it to happen. Today was physical exam day, so I was poked, prodded, stuck and squeezed. Plus I had a echo stress test and a heart CT scan. More to come on this subject later. Wild Mom is enjoying the quietness of her house now that all the company is gone. Now she will save up all them unspoken words and use them on the cruise in 16 days. Work is the same and now they are on a goals kick ... can't operate if there are no goals. I still say "do my job" is a pretty good one myself. Choir Practice is in full swing getting ready for Christmas now I just need to find the time to get there.

Later ...

Eyes Wide Open

The new week has started with a bang and promises to be one of more bangs and some broken hearts. There comes a time when some hard decisions are going to be made and though we don't like the choices we face, we are going to live through the aftermath. I use to laugh at soap operas as a made up fantasy view of reality. Now, maybe those screen writers are smarter than we give them credit for.

For a while this blog will be quiet and rather devoid of personal news. Rather than say something on this site that gets blow out of shape or importance, I have elected to remain silent. To those close to Lady and I, well, you will know what is transpiring behind the curtains, to others, I am sorry for the void.

Because I am being silent, do not presume the silence means I am backing down, giving up, or compromising on any issue. To the contrary, I am focusing on protecting what means the most to me. A Knight lives and dies for his lady.

... Slips the soap box into the closet for the time being.

Rest Day ... Not!

We have been washing laundry most of today but instead of air drying it here I will use the dryer. For the most part the weekend has been quiet as we recover from last week. Well, at least until I recover. Working all night last week sure ran me down.

Bowling was ok but I wish I could have done better. The kids went 2-2 and we went 2-5 on the night league. Now all I have to do is fugure out how to get out of my slump that has been dragging on for 6 weeks.

Wild Mom is looking forward to the upcoming quietness of her house as all her house guests will be gone. Sounds like some serious computer time on that new laptop.

***** *****

I love it, the redskins blew up in the 4th again and lost.

Brrrr

Well, let me see where do I start after so long between writings. I am fine just working some weird hours while I get this server and office machines changed out. I still haven't adjusted to the hours or my sleep schedule. It is amazing how many phone calls come in when you are trying to sleep during the day. The change out is going well, slow, but well since the problems I experienced the last time.

The cruise grows ever closer and it is ABOUT TIME! I am looking forward to the cruise and just vegetating some in the nice warm sunshine. All the excursions for the kids are booked.

Wild Mom is enjoying her house company. My brother and his daughter have endeared themselves to her as they enjoy the Motor Home. Their stay on the beach for all intents and purposes was great. She has even enjoyed the company of her daughter and son-in-law as they live with her until they head to Tennessee and a new job. The new laptop has been a welcome addition to her many toys. Now comes the fun part of getting everything setup and running. We need that Skype time!

#1 continues to enjoy the mountain air and now the snow as it heads their way. His job continues to be fun and challenging as he tries and maintains control of the inventory. We do miss him.

#2 continues to work and get more hours. Right now he is enjoying the challenge of making the money stretch for gas, cruise money and money for just life in general. Welcome to the Real World where Daddy doesn't pay for everything.

Princess is still in school and managing to pass her courses. The first report card is soon to appear and validate her beliefs. She is aching to drive her new truck but that event is still a few more days away.

Star is recovering from her recent body work. Now the daunting task of finding a job begins. Her earache isn't serious but a side effect of the accident.

Lew continues to amaze us with his grasp of words and his many funny sayings. Unfortunately, he has managed to get a leapster that cheats. I told him to talk with #1 since he too always managed to find those machines. Maybe #1 will have a solution on how to stop the machine from cheating.

Serenity is growing and wins any heart within eyesight of her. She is a true princess that everyone loves ... move over Diana.

Ba Humbug! - II

Monday is here and the weekend is over. The server change turned into a quest in hell and was a total waste of time. Everything that could go wrong did and they in turn urged a few others to join in. Needless to say nothing was really accomplished. The funny part is the rest of the weekend turned out the same way. It seems nothing worked right, everything broke, and fixing stupid was the passphrase of the day. It is amazing how eveything takes the lead from something else. Bowling was a washout. The kids team lost 4 points once again. At this rate we should be in last within 3 weeks. The late league went better, at least we split 4-3 with the team. Sometimes I wonder about these handicap leagues ... the object should be do your best not see how much handicap should we accumulate. Friday I head for Florida to spend the weekend. That should prove to be interesting if not fun. I just have a lot of work to do to get ready to go down there. #2 managed to get lost coming home from work this weekend. Maybe I should go out and get some cracker crumbs to he can leave a trail to return ... nope, better idea! Let Booger follow the trail to him and they both can be lost together. Princess was either in bed hurting or at the Fire Station most of the weekend. So we spent several times chasing that crap colored dog down when he bolted for the open door. --> <-- The kids were over and for the most part we had a great time. Serenity was sick and had to leave Saturday night ... something about a mom's touch and hold that she needed. Star spent most of the weekend with us so there was a small ray of hope through out the weekend.

****** *****

I yield ... The Redskin's showed me how good they were as they lost a squeaker ... 52-7. As the announcer said, except for a couple of bad calls and a few bad plays they were in the game. NOT!!! LOSERS. Bring in on of the best coaches ever and even he can't motivate this bunch of losers.
I see the National League was well represented as they got swept by the Red Sox. The NL can't win the all-star game and now they can't win the World Series. The NL sent a team from the weakest division and they showed how bad they were.

Snicker Doodle

Well, time marches on and this weekend will be an long one. I will upgrade the office server over the weekend and hopefully everything will play nice. Wild Mom is camping up a storm with my brother. They must really like the cramped quarters of a motor home. Add some rain and the fireworks will begin as cabin fever sets in. One more week till I head that way for the weekend. Lady is back and her mom is doing fine. She is now a firm believer in living closer together and eliminate the 12 hour drives that seem more like 15. #1 is enjoying the new snow (4") and that is good since the Jaguars were handed their butts when they faced the Indianapolis Colts. He can stay at home and not have to be seen publicly after their humiliation. Oh, how about the 13-1 drubbing the Rockies got from the Red Sox? #1 is having a bad sports week. Princess got a boo-boo on her car. She is fine and learning you can't push a Trash Truck around. They were at fault however so they get to pay about $3K in damages. I guess she needed to be like her sister who just had an accident this week too. Star was fine but the pick-up is a lost cause. I guess she will get familiar with the local bus schedule now since she works at the Denny's here in the city. Booger took another excursion around the neighborhood last night and returned an hour or so later. He bolts for the door anytime it is opened. That will have to stop. In order to assist me in his recapture, I think I will buy me a Tazer and that will stop him in his tracks. ZAPPPPP! Tuesday Night I had dinner with Princess, Star, Missy, and Jaqui. That was nice having all the ladies in my life together at Logan's. Needless to say, they brought their appetites and my wallet is lighter by several pounds.

Miss the babies!

Dum Dee Dum Dum

The weekend is over and the work week begins. For the most part the weekend was quiet since #2 worked then went to a friends house over night. Princess worked and spent a lot of time with friends and with lady in Indiana, that left the house to me and Lew. Saturday was spent at a party which Lew had a blast. The animals were fun to hold and pet and the toys out numbered the kids and the hay ride was a thrill to all. Lew really liked the little four wheeler. It was a good thing it had a good strong battery because it was a rare moment when he was off of it. The kids had a blast bowling on Sunday and our Sunday Night team went 5-2. This week is where we start getting the cruise stuff (paperwork) done, tonight is passport numbers and emergency contacts. Work continues to be the same ... fixing stupid is a never ending job. The website fiasco is over for the time being so now it is back to getting the new server going. That should prove to use up some sleep time.

I have a flight booked on Nov 2 and returning on Nov 5 to visit Wild Mom. Maybe a mouse will chew up the sonny-do list before I get there.

Rain Finally!

The weekend fast approaches and it will be one where I am a Class "B" bachelor. I also get to take Lew to a Fall festival at some friends on Saturday ... oh boy!

Work continues to be a source of frustration. I spent 2.5 days recovering from their website fiasco and I am still unsure if things are finished. Sometimes you have to wonder who is driving this bus. Anyone need a good worker?

Wild Mom is enjoying her quality time with my brother and his daughter. They are waiting for the motor home to get fixed so they can camp and hopefully ride over to Gonzalez La. to see some friends. The tornado yesterday came close but missed them so all is OK and I don't have to make a repair run to Florida.

Lady is heading for Indiana to be with her mom who has surgery next Tuesday. She will return home late on Wednesday.

#1 lost his cell phone and someone found it and called me. I asked them to take it to where he works. I hope they do since we have no way of getting hold of him.

#2 works and goofs off when he is free.

Princess fills her day with school and work and then when free piddles with graphics on her computer to load up on her MySpace. Booger is in mental arrest and has shown tendency to learning anything. A Rock come to my mind when I try to find a comparison to his mental capability.


***** Soap Box *****

Thumbs Down on 11 year old girls being given birth control pills.

Thumbs Up on Joe Torre turning the Yankees down. Why should his incentives be based on how they perform in Post Season. Injuries and Player's not playing would negate his bonus. Why not structure the whole team to a base salary and incentives based on where they finish the year both as a team and individual. That may cut down some on the slow leaking some players do. Negotiated days off .... then dock their salary ... no play ... no pay.

Thumbs Up to Prince William County for their attempt to stop illegal immigration. It is about time someone does what the Federal Government has failed to do.

Great Weather --- Cool

The world continues to turn and I can't find the stop button or the get off button. The weekend was busy and rest time was at a premium. Bowling was OK but I have had better days. It was probably a result of being distracted and not focused on what I was doing. Maybe I need something to beat on so I can clear the cobwebs .... oh, here Booger! One thing nice about right now is that I have both the Baseball Playoffs and Football to distract me.

On the work scene not much has changed. People get cold when it is 70 degrees and blow circuit breakers with their personal space heaters. What will they do when it really gets cold like down to 60 degrees? Once again fixing stupid reigns supreme. Hurry up and move the web site and not take any consideration as to what else gets broken. Oh, lets not forget that if you don't want to work, pass it off to others and then blame them when it breaks.

Part of my day Saturday was spent with four elementary age kids. A new youth group started up at church and I couldn't say no when asked to help out. I best be exercising so I can keep up with them. Also, I love pizza, cookies, and chocolate milk dinners.

Wild Mom is breaking the motor home in as she camps a lot waiting for my brother to show up. At least she isn't adding on to the sonny-do list. I need to get busy and book a flight down there to see her.

Lady is working hard getting caught up and freeing up time to spend with #1.

#1 has been here almost a week now. He was able to see all his bowling buddies. Of course, he tried to impress us with his smack but we know better. He leaves tomorrow to head home and start the work grind. We have enjoyed the visit but are ready for him to go but to also hurry back when he gets some more vacation time.

#2 has been busy working or hanging out with carrot-top this past week. It is funny sometimes listening to his stories from work. Gee, haven't I heard those similar words before? Hmmmm.

Princess is her usual self. Bowling with her was fun as usual and something to look forward too. Though she has been listening to #1 too much and thinks she can beat me. School, work and friends seem to be the main push of her life right now. Except when she grills me about a new Ford Truck. Booger is a big brown pain in the butt and I don't mean skid mark like. Hmmm, I wonder were that mark on her neck come from? Big Mosquito?

Lew and Lil Princess were once again a thrill. Lew even acted grownup on Sunday and things were really fun. I guess I will have to start carrying the camera around so I can get pics of Lil Princess. This Sunday I had her grinning and smiling for a long time as we played on the floor. I think a few people were amazed at how much she was responding.

Extra High Soap Box

I have been asked several times lately why my mood on MySpace is listed as "pissed." Well, I am. I am disappointed in the shallowness of some people who are allowing themselves to once again be used. I am pissed because it effects my family. I have heard countless times on the back deck how, "I hate how I was used ... all they wanted was to get me to do or give up something." Now I am watching those same ones walk right down that road. "Duh, haven't we learned anything?" To ask for help and support and then turn right around and do the same thing is a clear sign that perhaps your motivation the first time wasn't there and perhaps it was just a chance to use someone else to gain something. To me the bond of a family is special and right along side is the bond of a friend. Right now I am seeing that to some that means diddly squat and I am pissed that it has happened.

I know everyone makes choices and for the most part they are good or bad. But along with any choice comes consequences both good and bad. I am at the point that I am not looking away any more, I am tired on waiting for someone to make the right choice on their own, to me it is time to be proactive and make some choices of my own regardless of the consequences.

If you are confused and want to know specifics, then call me, don't text or message or email me ... talk to my face.

If you are pissed off about this then please delete the URL for this link and delete me from your friends list. Because, obviously your view of friendship or family is nothing like mine. But don't expect me to look away anymore.

Nuts!!

I taste like Peanut Butter. I am one of the most blendable flavours; I go with sweet, I go with sour, I go with bland, I go with anything. I am practical and good company, but have something of a tendency to hang around when I'm not wanted, unaware that my presence is not welcome. What Flavour Are You?

Quickie Update

Let me see, where do I start. Work is the same and despite my best efforts to "fix stupid" the people keep finding ways to evade the fix. These are the same ones now bringing their home laptops to work so they can do some work. It is only a matter of time till someone launches a virus and ruins a few days of my life. If you don't know how to connect a ethernet cable in order to get internet and email ... who is to say you know how to update your virus protection. Other than that the new server is almost done and that will eat up a Saturday.

Bowling is fine. The kid's split (2-2) with Michaela setting a 58 average. The Adult league team went 7-0 against a team we always struggle with but there are 27 weeks to go and a lot can happen.

Wild Mom is camping in the Motorhome. She loves being in the woods and releasing her wild side. All I can do is wait for the Sheriff's phone call. Everything is set for the cruise and all we have to do is wait.

Lady is happy since #1 is home for a week. Work is the same, too much to do with too little time. Also keeping her smiling is her new curtains for the living room arrived.

#1 is home and visiting all his friends. It is fun having him here. I would have expected maybe the Colorado air to help improve his looks but I was proved wrong. He is now a Broncos/Rockies lover.

#2 is working a fairly irregular schedule, so we never know when he will be home or gone. He is turning into a regular game junkie who knows everything about every game. I still don't understand his trade of a Wii for a 360. Maybe he subscribed to his brothers theory of the "game cheats" when he lost and traded for an honest game box.

Princess is working several nights a week and going to school. Her grades seem to be OK though it is a few more weeks until the final ones. She finally chose her excursions for the cruise. Jet Boat acrobatics for someone who gets car-sick is hard for me to grasp. Booger is the same. Too stupid to learn.

Lew and Serenity spent the weekend and kept us busy. we celebrated Lew's 4th birthday and had some fun. The Leapster kept him busy and the DVD's got a rest.

Brrrr

The weekend is over and I am back at work. Talk about a downer! The highlight of the weekend was spending it with two great grand kids ... Punk and Lil Princess. It was tiring but a lot of fun. Of course, I had a lot of time to hold Lil Princess. That was nice, as Princess has grown up and doesn't care for that anymore. Like usual, the naps were a great part of it too. After several weeks of missing our Mexican food at El Agave, we made it this weekend. Sunday was filled with Bowling and the newest addition to our team bowled and managed to average 31 for the three games. We should get some nice handicap from her like perhaps 155 pins. 9 Days till #1 shows up. I know we are all looking forward to seeing him since it has been about 5 months since his last visit. #2 learned the joys of working and being the new kid on the job. he was called in on Sunday to help with inventory. I even had a friend who observed him when he came to their house and commented on how much he has grown up. We got into a fight since they obviously weren't talking about #2 and I didn't want them to ruin his reputation. I didn't see too much of Princess between work, fire stations and my schedule. We did spend time on Sunday bowling and I really enjoyed it. On the downside, I miss our Saturday dates, sniff, sniff. Shoot, she even thought she would beat me in bowling. Now, that is a kid with high expectations! I best help her come back down to earth and face reality. Even #1 tried to climb that mountain and only manage to slide back down a little muddier and wiser for the attempt. Booger hasn't changed and spent most of the weekend in trouble. Lady about barbecued him after he stole some meat from the counter. "If that dog eats it then I will still get to cook it even in him." There will be a day when enough is enough.

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

Well, NY Mets really showed us how great they were. Someone needs to stamp a big "L" on their forehead.

Best thing about the Redskins bye week is that they didn't blow the lead and lose again. Maybe if they hired Parcells he could bring us a winning team?

I hope Atlanta Braves go home now and figure out if they will play next year like they are capable of or will they just settle for some .500 ball.

Baseball without Juicer Bonds. How nice that sounds. I hope some other baseball owners keep their integrity and let him sit on the sidelines forever!

I still maintain there is no rehabbing a convicted sex offender ... when will we learn?

2007 Renn Faire

Some pictures from the Renn Faire. There would have been more but my batteries were almost dead and I didn't have any spares. :)



A little MayPole action ...

Scene from "Fight School"


Learning about "QuarterStaffs"


Elephants to Ride ... Maybe they were used to haul in some of those ladies who were busting out of their costumes. :)



Looking down one of the many lanes ...


Another direction ...


Celtic, Irish, Scottish music ... By Molly.


the dancer on the left danced the Irish jigs.


This young Lass was good as she danced to the Scottish music. I was impressed how fast she went and the floor of the stage was painted and unfinished two X fours. No indoor dance stage for her. If memory serves me, she could beat out 170 steps a minute.


My Favorite ... The O'Danny Girls ...


A little closer ... but far enough away to keep it PG.


All in all it was a grand time to be had by all. Till next time or next year ...

Fall is near.

Well, another weekend is upon us. I survived the week with minimal damage. The weather is so nice I find myself wishing I had a good reason to go back to the Renn Faire. It is mid-70's, low humidity and lots of sun. Not sure what is on the weekend agenda. I think tonight is Logan's Road House. Beer and beef ... God's staple for the real man.

Two months until the December cruise.
Six months until Nationals in Albuquerque NM.
Eight months till a Graduation Cruise to somewhere.

Work is the same. Several hardware changes are in the process of getting setup and should provide me a chance for some unpaid overtime. What a country! Tom has been in Charlotte NC. all week goofing off, actually he is supposed to be attending a convention but he will never tell.

Wild Mom is fine and preparing for her #2 son to come home from England for a few weeks.

Lady is fine. She is enduring the audit and staff meetings. I wonder if I could convince her to quit and runaway with me?

#1 will be here in two weeks. What can we do to entertain him? Hmmmm.

#2 continues to work a schedule that bounces all over the clock and days. But it is work. And he gets to deal with all the new games, could we say perpetual childhood?

Princess is still in school. She has missed a few days due to personal stuff. I haven't heard much on how school is going or her personal life lately. Who knows, maybe one day I will. Booger is still the same crap-colored pain in the tush.

Sure hope I can see Lil Princess and Lew this weekend. It is a bummer when mom works all the time. I miss those evening visits.

Not much from Kritty this week. She is driving that new car all the time and she hasn't figured a way to get Internet in the car yet. Maybe by December the newness will wear off and she will drop by again.

Ashley is working hard at her new job so that is why she hasn't been by.

My friend Blue is recovering from a medical problem in Terra Haute Indiana. Get well, dude and hurry back to Virginia.

And You Thought I Was One of a Kind!!!!

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