Great Adventure Day X - Cruise Day VII

We are at sea once again and sadly heading for home.  Today was spent soaking up the sun and getting the last of the souvenirs.  The afternoon held a talent show featuring the talents of different crew members. It amazed me that they had such talent and did housekeeping for their livelihood.  It was capped off by the Fountain, it was hilarious as they went through their routines.  Evening dinner was special as we went to Cagney's Steakhouse.  We pre-booked this for the last night because we knew how good it was from previous cruises.  What a way to end our fun time.  Everyone left with that stuffed feeling as the food was cooked to perfection.  The evening's entertainment was a review of the special entertainers that were on board.  Alex Jackson, Oh What a Night singers, The ship's production dancers and singers and Chip, a magician/comedian.  Finally we headed back to our room to pack and prepare for Sunday's disembarkation.

Great Adventure Day IX - Cruise Day VI

Cozumel Mexico once again!  Our morning started out pretty much like usual ... you know me a creature of predictable habits.  Since we didn't reach Cozumel till 11am we slept in and ate a late breakfast at the Summer Palace.  Even Ronda slept in and skipped her morning walk.  Then it was off the ship for 5 hours of shopping and sightseeing.  They put us at the new International dock which is well away from where we us to dock and this necessitated a 20 minute cab ride to the best shopping stores.  Ronda was very happy as a Ammolite bracelet screamed "Buy Me."  My wallet gave up the ghost and cried "Uncle."  This little event took almost a hour ... at least it was air conditioned as it was HOT and sunny.  Probably our warmest day of the cruise.  One nice thing about Cozumel was that as the temperature rose the amount of clothes decreased.  Half the fun of walking down the street is the interaction between us and the local barkers trying to get us in their shops.  They will say anything.  We stopped in the Tequila Factory for a few free samples and walked out with a bottle of Tequila that can not be found in the U.S.  Lunch was at a sidewalk restaurant called Palmeras.  The food was good and at the same time different from what we are used too.  With our shopping done and bellies full, we took a 1 horse buggy ride back to the ship.  It was peaceful and very nice as the breeze kept us cool and we had very good vision to see the sights of Cozumel.  Of course, all this walking necessitated a nap to prepare us for dinner.  Following another fine meal and wine in the Summer Palace we headed off to the nights entertainment.  Country and Western music hour wasn't our cup of tea but allowed us to get fairly good seats for the rest of the evening.  "Dancing with The Pearl Stars" was hilarious. Seeing as none of the guests were any good the Stars had the hands full.  The winners were a couple that just had fun and relied on comedy to take them to the top.  The best female pro dancer was definitely worth the attention though her partner was a dud.  P.S., wearing a sheer almost see through top helped to keep many eyes on her.  Next Came "Liars Club" and all of our sides hurt from the steady stream of laughs. Great one-liners came at the rate of 1 every 3 seconds.  The words for the night were "Trion", "Tittup", "Chubble", "Fullfart".  Believe me they came up with some real whoppers.  Trion, pronounced Tree On, was what happend just before a tree mated.  Tittup was the way women were buried. Chubble was a french word for midgets. And Fullfart is when your 86 year old Grandmother farts so hard it blows our the ankles of her panty hose.  Can you believe these definition?  If not "Googleize it"  So about 00:30am we finally made it to bed.

The Great Adventure Day VIII - Cruise Day V

The days fly by as the fun and laughs continue. Today is Grand Cayman Island.  Usually the best snorkeling port but we decided to make it a shopping port.  Sunny and hot ... about 84 degrees. We started the day with a short 2 mile walk (11 laps of the ship) and breakfast in the Summer Palace.  Notice our sequence?  We got off the ship about 9am and returned about 2pm.  Great town with plenty of shops and well defined sidewalks making Carl's job of moving Paul about easier.  Ronda found the Ammolite Ring that said "Buy Me." And she did!  Then on the other side of town she found a set of Ammolite ear rings that talked to her and we completed her set.  I managed to find a new watch which well exceeded the Timex watches I usually get or the $10 specials I usually buy on board the ship. No problem making weight restrictions now going home as the wallet is significantly lighter.  Of course Lynne managed to buy her share too so the Grand Cayman Government gave us a Letter of Thanks for supporting their National GNP so well. After returning to ship we did the buffet and took afternoon naps to rest up for the evening.  The evening show was "Encore", one that we had seen before.  By time the showed ended it was 11:30pm so we called it a night.

Great Adventure Day VII - Cruise Day IV

It is finally here ... Ocho Rios Jamaica.  Of course the day started with NCL serving us breakfast ... no buffet here!  We headed off the ship about 10 am and the temperature pushing 90+ degrees.  NCL did not have any tours that fit our requirements so we winged it and hired our own tour guide at half the cost.  Luciano was fantastic.  He gave us a tour which we won't soon forget.  We visited the Garden and saw many types of native flowers and plants. It was so beautiful, lush, and peaceful.  Kayanna was a great guide and her knowledge was tremendous. Of course I managed to get many pictures.  Good thing I had a fully charged battery and a 1 Gb memory disk.  Next we went to the Falls and got some terrific panoramic shots of the bay and city.  Luciano gave us a tour of the island away from the beaten path and we loved seeing Jamaica as it really is. Gas is over $7 a gallon and unemployment is 42.5%.  There are so many kids they run 2 shifts, 6-12 and 12-6 ... and American kids have it so tough!  We finished the day shopping at a local mall ... away from the cruise line recommended shops and prices, for some souvenirs. The girls visited the Jamaican free market and experienced real bargain buying.  The skill here is in the negotiations. After saying goodbye to Luchiano about 2 pm we headed back on ship. Naturally, since we were exhausted from our strenuous day we took midday naps till dinner time.  Once again we went to the Summer Palace to be pampered and spoiled.  The evenings entertainment was a "Second City" production.  We laughed so hard at their improv and comedy. I loved the Pigeon feeding routine the most. We had our night cap in the Spinnaker Lounge listing to 80's rock.  Oh, we also got our 2 cruise reservations for our future cruises ... guess we will have to take at least 2 more cruises.  Sadly our wonderful day in Jamaica came to an end ... but tomorrow is "Grand Cayman" ... does the fun and adventure ever end?

Great Adventure Day VI - Cruise Day III

Today started out by being spoiled and having breakfast served to us in the Summer Palace.  After that we laid on the deck soaking up the sun.  Ronda and Lynne went to numerous shopping and excursion demos and we all sat in the Diamonds and Gems discussion.  Now if I could only afford to buy the stuff I learned about.  I love how their "demo' stones were always 6.5 carats in size ... like a $10,000 ring is my normal purchase range.  Right!  After a day of observing the natural beauty of the sunny deck ... and in some cases the un-natural beauty we went to dinner at the Italian Restaurant.  It was good but I couldn't help think of Matthew's "Man" lasagna.  The lasagna was mostly meat with minimal pasta and sauce.  Aiden would have loved this "man" lasagna. The evening's entertainment was a tribute to Frankie Valle and the Four Seasons.  They were good and closing your eyes, you could easily drift back to the 70's. We finished the day with Ladies vs Gents games ... they were rigged might I add.  It was a great day but tomorrow is Jamaica and somewhere I have never been.

Great Adventure Day V - Cruise Day II

We are now sitting just off the shore in Great Stirrup Cay after sailing all night. Our goal is to get rested up since we have been to this island numerous times.  Not much here but beach activities.  Though they are doing a lot of improvements like adding a new sheltered cove for docking the tender ships.  Plenty of sun and 84 degrees.  We spent several hours laying out and soaking the rays up on the deck lounge chairs.  So, Ronda and Lynn soaked the most rays up and got a little pink!  We also found the adults only sunbathing area where topless sunbathing is allowed.  Ronda didn't want to stay there.  We did the buffet for lunch which started a food overload with so many choices.  Though I didn't see Jessie's favorite ... mashed potatoes.  If you like fruit you would be in heaven because they have it everywhere.  Also the soft serve ice cream machine is conveniently located and I have made good use of it, so has everyone else. We ate in the Summer Palace Dining room and had a great meal topped off with some Bex Riesling wine.  The evening show was a tribute to Broadway with many songs and dances.  That was followed up by a visit to the Spinnaker Lounge and a bigger dose of Alex Jackson comedy.  Eventually the days activities caught up and we crashed into our freshly turned down beds.

Great Adventure Day IV - Cruise Day I

We made it ... only a couple of hours and we will be boarding the ship.  Following a lazy breakfast at Denny's we had a 30 drive to the port.  Well, actually it was longer as a wreck on the Interstate  blocked the road. So we took surface roads and saw a little bit of Miami.  We quickly remembered our steps as we unloaded the van and trailer at the port.   We arrived before the bulk of people and had a fairly quick boarding process.  Well, easy except a illegal knife which they locked up until we get back off the ship and Lynn knocking the bags off the wheel chair every time it turned.  First action after getting on the ship was getting lunch.  Got to keep out energy level up.  As usual it was great getting spoiled and waited on like they do.  I think everyone tried something different.  The rest of the time was spent exploring the ship, our home for the next 7 days.  We have asked ourselves where everyone is as the crowds are smaller than we remember. After a great dinner at the "Le Bistro", French influenced food, we saw the opening night show.  Looks like the entertainment is up to par.  Comedian Alex Jackson kept us laughing with his jokes and comments on life.  The night wound down about 10:30 pm as the days activities caught up with us.  Later when I check my Fitbit it said we walked 30 flights of stairs, no wonder we were tired.

The Grand Adventure - Day III

Well, Day three comes to a close with our arrival in Fort Lauderdale.  The ride today was uneventful but very nice.  The Temps hit a sunny 77 degrees.  Needless to say the coats and sweaters were peeled off quickly.  Meals were provided by Denney's, Burger King and Bubba Gump's.  The Jambalaya was great though a bit more spice could have been added.  Everyone else enjoyed their food too.  We stopped by Daytona Harley Davidson and looked around for a bit.  We have commented that it would be nice to stop there every time we passed it the last several trips.  Today ... we stopped.  We got off the Interstate and drove along some U.S. Highways and saw Lake Okeechobee and some of the everglade swamp.  Unanimous consent was we did not want to live there.  Packing is complete and all that is left to do is sleep and go to the ship in the morning.  Tough life but I gladly volunteer to do it.  Oh well, bed time for Bonzo ... it is 1am.

The Grand Adventure - Day II

Well, it is Day 2 for Bubba and his Great Adventure.  The morning started out at 08:00am in Fayetteville NC and ended at 4:30pm in Jacksonville Fl.  Nice safe ride today and the weather was great ... reaching 68 degrees ... just had to shed the jacket and walk about in a short sleeve shirt.  Breakfast at Denney's (who would have guessed), lunch at subway and dinner at St John's Steak and Seafood.  The food at St John's was surprisingly good.  Not knowing what we were getting into, we all enjoyed the family style restaurant.  Would recommend it to others if you pass through Jacksonville. Just finished making reservations in Ft Lauderdale for tomorrow night.  Only 304 miles to go.

We have discussed half the worlds problems and solved them all.  Great time is being had by all. Hope everyone is doing well and being blessed in a mighty way.  And being blessed by my absence isn't allowed!

The Grand Adventure - Day I

Well, Bubba's Grand Adventure is off and running well.  We escaped from Manassas about 12:30 this afternoon.  Traffic today was ok except for the part of I-95 prior to Fredericksburg.  I guess the traffic monster wanted to suck us in and not let us escape.  But we did despite their best effort.  As I said the drive was nice and the weather cooperated very nicely.  Despite the usual rest stops and coffee breaks at Love's we managed to make it to Fayetteville NC for the night.  Dinner was leisure and good at Cracker Barrel.  We ran out of new jokes by Richmond and definitely don't want to tell old ones.  We will push harder tomorrow for our goal is to spend the night around Jacksonville FL.  Thus leaving a short sprint on Saturday to Ft Lauderdale and Bubba Gump's!  Time for some rest and sleep! God Bless and have a great day ... we are!

Pre-Launch day!

I am sitting here at the FM transmitter site waiting on COMCAST to install a new internet connection.  As usual they want you available from 0800 to 1200.  This is the 3rd time trying to get this done as they failed to show up the last two times. What are the odds I am wasting my time once again?

Well, cruise time is here ... we head south tomorrow about noon.  There are many things left to be done but we will be ready come heck or high water.  This vacation is well needed for the two of us.  Though we love our lives and everyone associated with them ... we need some private do as we want, when we want time. Know what we mean?  I haven't decided if I will keep in contact while we are away as I know some people would love that.  I guess it will be a last minute call.

My trip to Nationals in Reno is now booked and all I have to do is wait until 03/18/2013 to leave.  I am looking forward to seeing old friends, and I mean old as we have bowled together every year since 1990.

Work is the same ... it is employment with a moderate income.  Will it change to the way it was when I first started there in 2000?  Not a chance.  With this economy it is most wise to ride the horse until it dies or bucks you off.

The house is always active with the kids and grandkids there everyday.  Then on the weekend add 2 more grandkids.  We wouldn't have it any other way but sometimes wish for a change.

It was fun watching Peanut and Star bake the other day.  The house smelled great with all the cookies and brownies.  Even some garlic mash potatoes were thrown in to the affair.

AJ is recovering from a double ear infection.  Chunk is growing fast and learning how to get into everything.  Not to mention ... developing a personality and attitude.

Wild Mom is doing well but wishes the vertigo would go away.  I tried to tell her it can't be too bad as 12 million drunks enjoy life when they are juiced up.  I hope they figure things out and get her back into the saddle soon.

Lady, well, what can I say!  She is everything to me and wouldn't have it any other way.  Love her this much -- forever

2013 ... Looking Forward

The New Year is here and life goes on.  While the holidays were great and all the company and people were great ... time to get back to business.  We are 24 days away from leaving for the cruise and the warm weather of the Caribbean.  We have been planning and discussing what we will be doing and each time we get more excited and anxious to go.  I made no resolutions this year so I can't break any.  I would feel too bad making promises that I had no intention of completing or keeping.  I would hope some people would change and focus on what's important but, then again, that is their choice.  Grudgingly, I accept that.

Bowling is on going and a struggle.  Sometimes it feels like we are David facing Goliath and the referees are on his side.  The bright spot is we bowl against a few fun and exciting people whom we have come to enjoy over the years. No youth bowling this time.  After the frustration last season, I decided to not bowl with the kids.  Yes I will miss the fun and action but relish at the lack of drama and frustration.

Work continues at its own pace.  Would I change it if I could, yes!  Will it change on it's own?  No, not any time soon.

Everything is booked and scheduled for 2013 national Tournament, so now all I have to do is wait until it is time to go.  I am looking forward to the train ride and its many surprises and staying once again at the Silver Legacy in Reno.  To seeing old friends that I only get to see once a year.  I am amazed how old they have grown these 23 years.  A few have gone to meet their maker and they will be sorely missed but not forgotten.

My bible study on David is great and almost done.  I have learned a lot but that is a topic for another day.  Our Church has its big vote next week and that should prove interesting and mildly challenging. 

Warming Thoughts

Seems like forever since I posted here.  I get focused on Facebook and forget to post here ... and this was the first site I had.  So don't forget to ring my bell when I get too lazy.  Christmas was great. This was the 4th year of doing the Advent Conspiracy.  I am not the focus of the Season, Christ is ... so honor him with gifts not me.  Most of the kids were at the Christmas Eve communion service.  That really made me happy and while I wish that could happen every Sunday, I recognize it can not for various reasons.  Thank you Jessie, Traci, Michael and Aiden for being there.  Matt gets a kudo for doing babysitting duty. Hopefully, next year Vincent will be old enough to attend and then Matt can be there too!  Christmas Day was special with most of our traditions being continued.  People stopping by even without a gift, Breakfast Casserole, Bowls of Fruit Salad, presents for the kids and the joy of watching them, Sitting around and just being together, Christmas dinner with ham and all the fixins, finally, that cup of coffee as we unwound and decompressed from another great and Happy Holiday Season.

I missed being with Mom and hope next year to have her here to experience the fun and elevated activity levels.  Of course, I missed Missy, Lou and Serenity.  Of course, having to share them with their Dad was expected but I still missed them.  This weekend we will celebrate with them and for a short time relive the joy of Christmas.

Just over a month to the next cruise.  We can't wait.  Still hoping we could find a roommate for Mom so she could go ... but alas, everyone has other plans or no passport.  Gee, free trip to the Caribbean and no takers!  Right on the heels of that vacation is the train ride to Reno for my 23 consecutive Bowling Tournament.  Looks like I will be travelling alone this year.  In 2015, there will be a group going as we celebrate my 25th consecutive tournament in El Paso Texas.  We will turn that one into an extended vacation.

Work at the Radio Station is the same.  I keep hoping for change and it keeps eluding me.  That is better than the alternative of no job.  My prayer and hopes that the joy returns.

The Church is going through a tough time as we make some tough decisions of our direction in the future.   I understand the dynamics of the process but feel we fall short in addressing the problems that got us there in the first place.  Unless we fix the problems, we are just delaying the inevitable.  Keeping the doors open and hoping for a change is not enough.  We must make the choices with God's guidance to correct the problems and create a vibrant worship experience.  We need to stop looking outside so much and start looking inside.  Kind of like in the Book of Acts, we just need to come and worship with out heart, soul, and mind and let Christ add to our numbers according to his purpose.  I believe Jesus was the only one ever asked to give of themselves till they died.  We are asked to give of ourselves so we might live more abundantly ... in Jesus. That early church was successful because their hearts were filled with joy, for they were at peace with God and men. They were happy, for they loved God and one another. Such a joyful community attracts people, just as a beautiful flower garden attracts butterflies and bees. Such a church grows daily, naturally and without much conscious effort.

Thanksgiving Hopes

Another year has passed and it is Thanksgiving once again and Christmas is just around the corner.  The way the stores and TV adds carry on, you would think Christmas is the NEXT holiday.  I wrestle each year just how to express my thoughts without embarrassing anyone.

Ronda, where do I even start!  I would have to agree that any success this year goes through her.  I couldn't even begin to understand life without her.  She is always there, puts up with my idiosyncrasies and habits, some good and some bad. She is fun to be with and I can't wait to share the next adventure with her.  Life is so much easier to deal with when there are two of you working together.

Mom, you are amazing and I just can't find the time or ways to say thanks for all you have done for me.  Now as we do this genealogy stuff you are a great partner and sounding board to some of my half baked theories on the family.  I look forward to every time we get together, even for the smallest period of time.

I have intentionally not specifically addressed anyone else because Murphy's Law says I will miss someone and then all heck will follow.  But I will talk generically.

I am proud of every child in my life.  I wish for more and accept a lot less.  I wish I could change many things but unless we both want it, it will never happen or last.  Have I made mistakes?  Yes, I will be the first to admit that simple fact. I wish sometimes that a simple thank you for helping would be expressed or a simple promise be kept but I know we are human and we take many things for granted or forget.  Each child is special and each contributes to our life differently, I wish we all saw that and valued family and connection more than a game of 1-upsmanship.  But I have to accept that cruel fact of nature that we aren't happy unless we are made to feel better or more important than someone else.  For me, every child is the most important and best ... and that won't change in my eyes and heart.  So any attempts just sadden me.

I hope this year that everyone receives the most important gift you could ever receive.  What is it?  I don't know but I know something does exist that will mean the most to you and touch you the deepest.

As usual, I ask for no gifts.  In the spirit of the Advent Conspiracy, if you must spend money or shop ... do it for someone that really needs it ... make a difference in someones life.  I just desire the most precious of commodities ... a moment of your time, face to face.

I love each one of you and cherish every moment of time you are in my life.

What's Your Marriage Worth??

“When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I’ve got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn’t know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly. She didn’t seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

 

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn’t talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn’t love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company. She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn’t have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane. When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn’t want anything from me, but needed a month’s notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month’s time and she didn’t want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day. She requested that every day for the month’s duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife’s divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn’t had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don’t tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn’t looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me. On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn’t tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me … she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it’s time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn’t noticed that our life lacked intimacy. I drove to office…. jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind…I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won’t divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn’t value the details of our lives, not because we didn’t love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart. Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away. At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I’ll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed -dead. My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from the whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push through with the divorce. — At least, in the eyes of our son - I’m a loving husband ...

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves.

So find time to be your spouse’s friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

If you don’t share this, nothing will happen to you.

If you do, you just might save a marriage. Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ♥

Summer is Gone!

Time really flies.  Both bowling leagues (youth and adult) have started and this year should be most interesting.  I have started my preparation for my 23rd National Tournament in Reno.  The start has been a lot better for the Adult league that the start last year, so hope for a good finish are high.  The youth league will be small once again but that is ok as it allows more time to get to know others and help the kids.  Lew hasn't made his mind up yet whether to bowl or sit this one out.  He still has a couple of weeks to decide before it is too late.

The Jamestown visit was put on hold when Wild Mom got sick and had to return home.  She is fine now and in the process of healing and sorting out what happened.  Hopefully, we will reschedule in October before it gets too cool. Something about standing in a stiff cool wind coming in off the water dampens the fun of the visit to the old settlement.

Peanut managed to get older this week.  We are so proud of what she has accomplished and can't wait to see how much more will come.  Chunk is growing.  His first birthday and walking came very close together.  Sometimes his antics in the middle of the floor brings tears to your eyes as you laugh so hard.  Especially when he twirls until he gets so dizzy he falls down.  Those collapses are never graceful.  Bean continues to grow into a young man.  4 years now and it seems like yesterday he was were Chunk is at.  Lil princess and Lew continue to grow.  With Lil Princess in school now, she is learning new stuff all the time.  After our summer trip she is a What-A-Burger fan, not to mention a ice cream junkie.

#2 is in a relationship so things are changing daily.  He started a Microsoft Certification process but I don't know where he stands.  #1 continues to educate himself and babysit during the day.  We always have hope a job will tackle them and hold on to them.  Hopefully they will tackle better than the Jacksonville Jauguars!

The Bible Study group finished Genesis.  I started a study for myself on "The Life of David."  So far it has been great and a challenge for me to set aside the time to read and absorb the material.  The course is online so that helps and also makes a lot of resources available.  Our Church is going through a interesting and challenging period as we enter the Charge Conference Season where we plan and outline our direction for next year.

Work remains the same.  They want me to work 24/7 and pay for 6/5.  Needless to say, it creates a stressful situation.  The Migration was supposed to simplify things but so far just caused more work and frustration.  Retirement looks nice but not feasible at this time.

Lady has a retreat this weekend so I will be on my own.  Hmmm, that could be dangerous.  

Seeing God

 

I saw God today ... As I sat waiting for my test I had the fortune to talk with a gentleman who fought in Midway during WWII. Throughout the whole discussion he peppered his words with "Thank You Lord." More amazing was the fact during the 25 minutes or so, he never said one thing negative. Every thing was "I thank the Lord ... ." For example his feet hurt so much he could barely walk, but he responded, "I thank the Lord I can walk and that my feet don't hurt so bad today." His daughter who brought him complained about the traffic they had to deal with in coming there to the Hospital. I know, so did I. The gentleman's response was "I am so thankful the Lord gave us (his daughter) time to chat and that their car did not break down." How many times do we grouse about what is wrong and not give thanks for what was right? I was impressed with this man who had a thankful heart and more kind words than negative words. I hope would be able to reach a point where I felt more thankful than pointing out what is not right. How about you ... more thankful or negative?

 

Friday Musings

Another week has come and gone with my biggest event being work.  Looks like I averaged 10 hour days all week. I can rest and sleep good knowing their migration improved my life and I am able to work more efficiently and effective.  *coughBULLcough* Right now it is a story on how to botch up a smoothly working network operation and create one that is not so dependable.  Well, at least I could go home and find shelter from this madness. *coughBULLcough* This part you will have to hear straight from me. Too many eyes and feelings will get hurt or think it is them and react accordingly.

Wild Mom is fine and getting ready for the Heisner Reunion in Illinois and then a visit to Virginia.  Looks like the Virginia trip will include a trip to Jamestown Settlement and the Byrd Plantation nearby.  Lots of genealogy talk and digging up old bones.  Lady is fine and hanging in there.  Trying to figure out what we can do this weekend instead of hanging around the house.  #1 takes his course and sleeps, #2 started a Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) class. peanut has a new job, though it is part time it should evolve into full time shortly.  Won't see Lew and Lil Princess this weekend as they spent time with dad.  AJ will go through his usual 4 year old growth and keep life interesting and busy.  Chunk is a blast to watch as he walks and explores life at the new level he can see and reach now. Star and Chicken man work and fix cars and bikes.

Olympics almost done, Baseball almost over and Football just getting started.  Lots of hopes and wishes for good results.

Sidewalk Escapades

This edition takes a look at the effect of technology on pedestrians.  When will we wake up and learn texting and ear buds with music is a recipe for disaster when walking?

Point 1:  A young gentleman is walking, texting furiously and listening to his iTunes.  Not bad until he walked into the side of the building because he forgot to turn when the sidewalk did. No major damage but he did have a bloody nose and I think he cracked his iphone after he fell down on it.

Point 2:  Two ladies walking down the sidewalk texting and enjoying their music.  Normally this would be ok except they were on the same sidewalk and going in opposite directions towards each other.  Well, one pair of broken glasses, 2 bruised butts as they landed on them, 1 exposed private parts as her blouse was torn open (no bra) .  Also, it was funny watching her rearrange her blouse and text.  That's right! Can't stop that important text.

Point 3: What is better than doing a long jog and listening to your tunes and texting.  They do it in the commercials, right?  You are also aware how they place those yellow poles near the entrance to a garage to keep the vehicles in line.  You get the picture ... running and that 3 foot pole meets the private parts of the otherwise occupied jogger.  He managed to see stars and spent at least 15 minutes on the pavement catching his breath.  By the time Police showed up, his head had cleared up and he was ready to continue his jog, his music, and his texting.  You guessed it, he was undaunted in his efforts.

Point 4: Young lady walking and listening to her music.  With no idea what the traffic light was showing and that beeping sound to assist the visually impaired, she walked out into 5 lanes of morning rush traffic.  Luckily, the truck driver wasn't texting himself and swerved to barely miss her.  Indignant the truck honked at her, she flipped him off and continued on ... the next car locked up his brakes to avoid her, getting rear ended as he did.  Now, this upset lady realized what she did, panicked, turned and run back to the curb.  However, the vehicle turning right was texting as he drove and she brushed the dust off his front quarter panel.  So, torn dress, sore leg and broken phone she made it back to the safety of the curb.

When will we wake up.  texting and walking with headphones on is a deadly combination.  I hate driving here in Rosslyn.  All the people get off the metro and head for buses. They go everywhere ... just like busy ants.  Each one totally unaware of where they are at.

Friday's Thoughts

Well, it is Friday and I am not ready for the weekend.  It is time for life to slow down.  In September, I will start a bible study on the Life of David.  I am looking forward to this because I need the chance to grow myself.  This means that the Thursday Night group will have to do without me.  I can be part of something as a participant but not as a leader.

Wild Mom is fine just managing her genealogy, doctor's appointments and camping. Lady is just as fantastic as ever.  She will be ready for the Bikini on our next cruise. :)  Peanut has a new job and starts Monday, I believe.  had to restate the rule "No animal of any kind!"  #1 still studies most of the time.  I wish I had that option back in the 70's when I worked a regular full time job and went to school at night.  What could I have accomplished if I just lounged around and just went to school?  I probably would not have my Bachelors and Masters.  #2 shows no change to his unemployment status.  He is helping Obama pad his stats.

AJ continues to grow and develop his attitude.  Chunk is walking and learning so much, it is fun to watch him.  Lew spent the week and had a great time especially going to Camp everyday.  This weekend was his first chance to go to El Agave in a long time and he enjoyed that. I miss Lil Princess but I think she will be here this weekend.  Fun time!