Who?

Well the weekend is over ... who authorized it being shortened. I know it was supposed to be longer. This one was short but we managed to have some fun and spend time with the family. Bowling was ok. The kids won and have 2 weeks to go and the Sunday Night crew lost with 3 weeks to go. This time next month I will have Sunday's free to have even more fun. But I am afraid my newfound free time will be occupied with chores of the non-paid nature. Miss GungHo is still at Camp Geiger with no time set for her to come home. Our prayers are with her, maybe she can come here for a short visit. Brother #1 and #2 are still running around Germany ... I guess they have been good since there has been no International Incident. With the bowling ending and baseball starting ... perhaps a few afternoon naps are in order.

Revised Upcoming Schedule:

- Bobby's Wedding (04/05)
- Youth League ends (04/14)
- Peanut's Baby watch (04/15)
- Sunday Night League ends (04/21)
- Lady heads for Indiana (05/09)
- Denver Trip (05/16)
- Williamsburg (06/07)
- Sonny-Do excursion (07/15)
- Cruise (01/09)

Items still on the burner:

- Weekend trip to Chincoteague Island
- Weekend trip to Cheat River

Lady wanted more weekend but had to settle for work today. The search for a wedding dress to wear this weekend to Bobby's wedding began. I hope the pocket book holds up. The week trip to Indiana starts to take shape with Lady and Lew taking a short road trip. She also ordered us a new treadmill. Mind you, we didn't wear out the last one we just upgraded to a model that exercises for you. It will run once a day whether you are there or not.

Wild Mom survived camp and now attempts to survive my sister's visit with the grandkids and great grandkids. Hmmm, cut down on the sonny-do's and have them do them instead. She is still trying to get a cruising partner for next years adventure.

#2 still looking. Perhaps he is magnetically opposite to work. Maybe he is living proof opposites don't attract.

Peanut spent most the weekend with us and we had a lot of fun. It is interesting sometimes to watch the expressions on her face when the baby starts moving or fighting for a better position. As big as she is you would expect the boy to have plenty of room like there is in the trunk of a 56 Dodge.

Lew spent the weekend with us and even managed to see "Horton hears a who!".

Lil Princess spent Sunday with me at the bowling alley. Now that was an adventure. She is definitely a babe-magnet. And those baby-talk conversations sometimes seem so real.

Weekend Hopes

Well, the weekend is here ... wow! what a short week. I like this. This weekend should be full. I hope I have enough energy to get everything done (spread the mulch, clean-up the yard, might even have to mow). I am looking forward to El Agave since it has been a while. Isn't there a law about missing a Mexican dinner for more than 7 days? I also need to find me a new movie partner ... too many of them that I want to see and no one to go with. Plus, Sunday I will get to use the new bowling balls on the house lanes and see how they do. I am thinking I will do good.

Upcoming Schedule:
- Bobby's Wedding (04/05)
- Denver Trip (05/16)
- Williamsburg (06/07)
- Cruise (01/09)

Lady is busy getting ready for tax time at work. I think it is close to a Cheat River trip. I also need her to start walking with me more ...

#2 is still looking. Won't be long till the last of the finances runs out.

Peanut - still getting bigger, but also getting closer to the big day. I can't wait to see what she does with her hair. Most of the preparations are done, at least the ones that can be done.

Lew and Lil Princess should be over this weekend. That should be fun as it has been a while since I have seen them and at their age they grow so fast.

Thoughts for a Friend

Recently, a friend asked a question and I finally found the article I wanted to reference.

The Father Challenge

Sam Keen challenges us to recognize that "there is no way for men ... to recover wholeheartedness, to become passionate and truly free, without rediscovering the central importance of the family." To rediscover the family, we, as men, must rediscover ourselves as fathers and parents, and place this role of the many roles we play at the center of our lives. It is within the context of the family that we live our lives, and it is here that we receive our deepest wounds and most profound joys.

As Keen and many others have observed, we men tend to view ourselves as independent actors. As warriors, controllers, providers, protectors, and occasionally as lovers. We peg our self-worth on our tax brackets or how much we've published or how many women we've been with. We constantly look to the outside world for our valuation. Within the "men's movement" there is a tendency to talk about how I was treated by my father, about the lacks I had in my life, about my own confusion and pain and grief, about initiation (without any idea of what we want to initiate our children into). These are legitimate experiences that afflict our lives, but there comes a time when we men have to look beyond our own suffering and recognize that we are also causing suffering.

About a year ago I attended a symposium on fathering in Eugene, Oregon. One of the things that I learned, deeply, was how I was continuing to wound my own children in the way I was wounded. I was foisting the expectations and demands that my father laid on me onto my sons and daughter. It was a painful realization, but confirmed what I already knew intellectually about the "sins of the fathers," and how I needed to honestly and directly deal with what I was doing. I can't say that I've done as well as I'd like to on this or most accounts in my life. But one thing I have realized is that in as much as I consciously work to avoid wounding my children, and in loving them for exactly who they are, I am healed of my wounds. We receive our deepest and subtlest wounds within a family context, and it seems that here is the best place to heal them. This is not easy, as it requires a level of emotional courage, honesty, and sheer perseverance that few of us ever learn. Beginning what often seems to be a sisyphean task is a gift in itself, for it opens the door to our own hero's journey.

As fathers, we give our children many gifts along with many wounds. Paradoxically, the wounds and the gifts are two sides of the same coin. When we give time and attention, we heal the wound of abandonment. When we acknowledge a child's accomplishments, we give the gift of confidence. When we support the free expression of feelings, we give the gift of self esteem. In essence, if we show with our time, love, attention, nurturing, touch that we truly value our children, they will come to value themselves and us.

We have to be willing to be available to our children as often as we can, and to be with them as often as practicable. There is no substitute for time with children. They know it and so do we. As fathers, we can no longer afford to use such excuses as "college funds," "personal growth," "bigger houses," " more cars, gadgets, or other toys" to justify our abandonment of our children. For at a deep and profound level all men are the fathers of all children whether they are biological or not. We have to go beyond the personal to the communal, and work to heal all of the damage our forefathers still perpetrate through us.

Where to begin is the question I usually get asked when I talk about these issues. Where do we begin? The trite answer is still true - where we are. The process of change begins with the awareness that change is needed, then what needs to be changed, and , lastly, what options are available. As a movement, we're still back at step one, having realized changes in how we fathers are needed; however, we haven't begun to examine the options. I believe it is past time that we join together as we can to support and assist other men in re-creating what a father is and does.

firstborn

you were the golden child
framed by the sun that was your hair
my phaestos to grab the reins of my chariot
and be the child
and young man
my father wanted me to be
and still to be as you (me) are
i bind you in chains
teach you to fight your dream
witness the rising of your anger
and grief
i have held you
and held you apart
i have wondered at your neediness
and not seen
that it is not yours
but mine

Copyright © 1995 by Kent Cumbo

Most Excellent Adventure - Final

Well, things came to an end and we headed for home. Wild Mom flew home while Curious George and I rode the train back. We even managed to get a sleeper for the Albuquerque to Chicago leg. The countryside was beautiful especially through Raton Pass in New Mexico. We even had snow as we went through the pass. Antelope, Mule deer, coyotes, turkeys, hawks, eagles, wolf, and regular deer highlighted that passage through the remote mountains at 7500+ feet. The train ride was pretty uneventful and not very late in arriving home on Tuesday afternoon. We managed to get quite a bit of rest. Now it is time to start planning Las Vegas (2009) next year. There is a rumor that Baton Rouge La. will change to Orlando Fl. in 2011. Now it is time to see how the rest of the crew did while I was gone. Questions such as; when are you coming home (#1), got a job yet? (#2), baby hanging any lower? (peanut), will you share some of that energy? (Lew) and how's the tongue doing? (lil princess). I have a few other questions but they are for another day and another forum.

Work hasn't changed a bit. Today, while I was cleaning out some 30,000+ spam emails --- one person called to complain about their 12 spam messages. Get a Life!

Getting home I saw where the grass was growing and greening up. How I hate what comes next. Even the pixies didn't come and spread the 15 bags of mulch in the front yard. Sheesh, how much do I have to pay?

Wild Mom's shopping sprees required us to procure a 2x2x2 foot box to send everything home. It was a sight seeing her bouncing on the luggage trying to squeeze everything into it. She arrived home safely on Sunday and immediately started planning the next excursion.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day 5

Well, like all things good ... it is time to return back to life. The tournament for me is over until Las Vegas next year. Though I wished I could have done better I have nothing to be ashamed of ... I am average. The day was spent getting the bowling balls being worked on at the Visionary booth. Wild mom went to the historic old towne and of course ... shopped. It is fun watching her stuff it into the luggage. Dinner was at the Texas Land & Cattle restaurant. That was some great beef. The sirloin was smoked and very tender. Wild Mom ordered fried pickles and took half of them with her as a snack while we bowled. The rest of the day was spent packing (stuffing in Wild Mom's case) and resting up.

Wild Mom continued her rampaging ways. First thing this morning she pulled the towel bar down after they unclogged the tub drain. Must of been her hangover from the Pina Colada's last night.

Do we have to come home? It is so nice out here. But if we do come here ... bring the body lotion for my poor skin is dry.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day 4

It is Friday and the real work begins ... later. We went sightseeing and the weather was beautiful. Sunny, no clouds, and in the 60`s. We visited the Indian reservation and spent some money in the gift shop. There was a small herd of buffalo next to the Indian Center and that made for some good pictures. Even managed to not run over a Road Runner that crossed in front of the car. The rest of the day was spent checking things out at the Convention Center. In all cases Wild Mom helped the economy and made sure she needed another bag to haul stuff home.

Bowling was ok ... nothing to brag about but good enough to feel satisfied. The team was really different with 3 subs. Sure miss the old gang but that is life. Curious George did ok and his knees have held up pretty good so far. Tomorrow is doubles and singles and that should prove fun if not tiring since we start bowling at 11:30 pm.

Wild Mom is out checking out the Pina Colada's down at the lounge. Especially appealing is the tickets that makes them free. And yes, she has my tickets as I write this blog.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day 3

We have arrived in Albuquerque. The day was filled with sights of wild animals as we passed through some beautiful country. There was even snow on the ground at the higher elevations. Breakfast was spent with a gentleman from from Minnesota (Highway patrol) and his daughter. They were on a father-daughter excursion for the weekend. We spent almost the whole day watching the terrain pass by and cat-napping in between the good sections. Unlike last years ride, we never got more than 15 minutes behind. Unlike the eastbound train from LA that was 25 hours behind. However, those train seats did get hard by the time we reached Lamy New Mexico. The train was full and I am glad we got off when we did because at our stop 28 people got off and 100 people got on. So there was no extra room.

Albuquerque is a beautiful town and even with a GPS system we managed to get turned around a few times. Curious George and I have had a blast chatting back at the GPS which we have named "Wanda." Kritty would love the rental car ... 2008 Ford Taurus ... and it is loaded. We had dinner tonight at Sadies, a southwestern Mexican restaurant. The food was great and if it was closer to home, El Agave would have some major competition. So if you ever come here ... make Sadie's one of your stops. The air is very dry and I can't drink enough water ... but I am trying.

Wild Mom made it without getting thrown off. She did manage to chat on the phone every time she had 3 bars.

Curious George met some new friends and one turned out to be a nun returning to her work in Raton New Mexico. A mild surprise when she changed into her habit just before she reached her destination. Go figure!

Sure miss everyone .. but I wouldn't miss this trip.

Top Speed: 82
Highest Elevation: 7852 ft.

Most Excellent Adventure - Day 2

Full of chili dogs and Cinabun rolls we left Chicago ... dragging Wild Mom from a sweet talking vendor. Like yesterday's train ... this one was full too. By Kansas City we were already 30 minutes late. Dinner was good and of course Wild Mom got onto the wait staff. With the train being full ... there were no sleepers available. But the coach seats are big and comfortable ... so it will be tolerable. There has been plenty of wild life to observe both in and out of the train. What a few beers will do to a perfectly normal (?) person. Don't sweat ... it isn't Wild Mom and her Long Island Ice Teas. Getting bumpy and dark ... until tomorrow ... we love you all.

Wild Mom buys craft stuff at every stop. Time to buy another suitcase.

Top Speed: 92

Most Excellent Adventure - Day 1

The adventure begins. Just getting to the train station was fun. We sat through two different traffic backups plus a side trip to Sterling. The train left on time but immediately got behind. First for a generator that wouldn't stay on line and then some guy who hit a lady. We had to wait for the paramedics to show up. So we were 90 minutes late and never made it up. Arrival in Chicago was uneventful. Good thing we didn't head south from Chicago ... the train track was washed out and under water south of St. Louis.

Wild Mom is flirting away with anyone that talks sweet. She gets a bit feisty when the waiters get slack.

Top Speed: 65

Strike!

Well, all reservations are made and everything is ready for New Mexico. Wild Mom arrives on Thursday and we leave the following Tuesday. Lady is deeply involved with the candy Easter Egg project at church ... they are very good and loaded with calories but also a lot of work. Work is the same but tolerable since I know I have a break coming up. The kids bowling is going well as they hang onto 3rd place. The adult league in the evening is challenging. We are tied for 4th. This week we went 5-2 and it took everything we had. I averaged 207, Pete averaged 208 and George averaged 204 and we just squeaked by a crew of 140-150 average bowlers. They were hot and almost caught us. I was very happy because with one week to New Mexico, I finally bowled like I wanted too and to the level I know I am capable of. I need to start figuring out what kid I will bowl with for the next league. I doubt I will bowl with the current one again. Some kids will listen and want to learn. This one loves to argue and doesn't learn. So the search begins again since it is still 4-5 years before Punk is ready to bowl in a league. The guest room is finished for the time being. The walls are painted (sea foam green) and the trim and doors is what is left. But that will be a project for another time.

Peanut continues to get bigger ... only about 6 weeks till the wee lad pops out. Gee, in 2017 I will be able to bowl with him.

#1 is ready for Virginia but has to wait for the lease to run out in June. Who knows maybe he isn't too rusty to bowl with us once again. But then again, that is what handicap is for ... to compensate for his inability to keep up the pace. :)

#2 is still looking.

Punk and Lil Princess didn't make it over this weekend because of our hectic schedule. I am suffering from withdrawal. I wonder if I need to pay them to show up this week? Oh, Lil Princess overcame her virus and is doing well ... she even managed to let mommy have a taste of it. How Sweet!

Points to Ponder

HERE IS AN EYE OPENER TO START OFF YOUR DAY OR PERHAPS STIMULATE A BIT OF INTELLECTUAL PONDERING ... CAN A MUSLIM BE A MUSLIM-AMERICAN?

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT --

• IS MUSLIM-AMERICAN REALLY AN OXYMORON?
• CAN A DEVOUT MUSLIM BE AN AMERICAN PATRIOT AND A LOYAL CITIZEN?
  

I FORWARDED THAT QUESTION TO SOMEONE WHO WORKED IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR 20 YEARS. THE FOLLOWING IS HIS FORWARDED REPLY:

• THEOLOGICALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE HIS ALLEGIANCE IS TO ALLAH, THE MOON GOD OF ARABIA.
• RELIGIOUSLY - NO.
• BECAUSE NO OTHER RELIGION IS ACCEPTED BY HIS ALLAH EXCEPT ISLAM (QURAN, 2:256)
• SCRIPTURALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE HIS ALLEGIANCE IS TO THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM AND THE QURAN (KORAN).
• GEOGRAPHICALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE HIS ALLEGIANCE IS TO MECCA, TO WHICH HE TURNS IN PRAYER FIVE TIMES A DAY.
• SOCIALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE HIS ALLEGIANCE TO ISLAM FORBIDS HIM TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH CHRISTIANS OR JEWS.
• POLITICALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE HE MUST SUBMIT TO THE MULLAH (SPIRITUAL LEADERS), WHO TEACH ANNIHILATION OF ISRAEL AND DESTRUCTION OF AMERICA , THE GREAT SATAN.
• DOMESTICALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE HE IS INSTRUCTED TO MARRY FOUR WOMEN AND BEAT AND SCOURGE HIS WIFE WHEN SHE DISOBEYS HIM (QURAN 4:34).
• INTELLECTUALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE HE CANNOT ACCEPT THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION SINCE IT IS BASED ON BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES AND HE BELIEVES THE BIBLE TO BE CORRUPT.
• PHILOSOPHICALLY - NO.
  
• BECAUSE ISLAM, MUHAMMAD, AND THE QURAN DO NOT ALLOW FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND EXPRESSION. DEMOCRACY AND ISLAM CANNOT CO-EXIST.
• EVERY MUSLIM GOVERNMENT IS EITHER DICTATORIAL OR AUTOCRATIC.
• SPIRITUALLY - NO.
• BECAUSE WHEN WE DECLARE "ONE NATION UNDER GOD", THE CHRISTIAN'S GOD IS LOVING AND KIND, WHILE ALLAH IS NEVER REFERRED TO AS HEAVENLY FATHER, NOR IS HE EVER CALLED LOVE IN THE QURAN'S 99 EXCELLENT NAMES.
  

THEREFORE AFTER MUCH STUDY AND DELIBERATION ... PERHAPS WE SHOULD BE VERY SUSPICIOUS OF ALL MUSLIMS IN THIS COUNTRY? THEY OBVIOUSLY CANNOT BE BOTH 'GOOD' MUSLIMS AND 'GOOD' AMERICANS. CALL IT WHAT YOU WISH ... IT'S STILL THE TRUTH.

IF YOU FIND YOURSELF INTELLECTUALLY IN AGREEMENT WITH THE ABOVE STATEMENTS, PERHAPS YOU WILL SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS. THE MORE WHO UNDERSTAND THIS, THE BETTER IT WILL BE ... FOR THE RELIGIOUS WAR IS BIGGER AND MORE COMPLEX THAN MOST AMERICANS CURRENTLY KNOW OR UNDERSTAND.

BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, A MAN WITH A MUSLIM UPBRINGING, WANTS TO BE OUR PRESIDENT ... "I THINK SOME RED FLAGS ARE GOING UP HERE"?

Decisions!

I just love this time to year. My sinuses stay screwed up all the time. Maybe I should move to the South Pole ... there it is cold all year around. Not much happening except for work. Tomorrow I get to come in early to move computers since the sales manager decided to play musical chairs with the sales offices. Not that we have enough work as it is ... let's screw engineering with more work.

Wild Mom is getting excited about New Mexico in a few weeks. She just returned from the Western Caribbean where she had a blast on a cruise line not to take ... Holiday Cruise Line. Now we just have to find her a cruise partner for the January trip.

Lady is working and having fun as tax season approaches. She is ready for another vacation going anywhere. We are still figuring how to get her to New Mexico this month. Next week she will be busy making Easter Eggs for the church. The coconut ones are the best! It is like having a Almond Joy that weighs almost a pound.

#1 is planning and working. It looks like he will come back to Virginia this summer. I guess he misses the butt whippings on the Bowling Alley that I use to give him.

#2 is hoping today he gets notified he was selected for another job. He is finding that having no money sucks. It seems all his girl friends are high maintenance and have expensive tastes.

Punk and Lil Princess are a blast. However, Lil Princess had a virus this weekend and had to visit the doctor, so her stay was very short. However, Punk made up for her. They grow so fast ... I wonder if there is a slow down pill available?

Tired of the elections yet? I am. Lets get down to the real thing and quit all this posturing. Look at all the money that is wasted doing this. We could feed a lot of people by skipping all these Primaries and Caucasus's.

Tough decisions to make now that Spring is here ...

1. Do I fertilize the grass? How much mowing do I want to do is the question.
2. Work hard and plant expensive flowers or just let the free weeds grow.
3. Wash the windows clean and let more blinding sunlight in ... or leave them dirty as a natural sunshade.
   

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

Baseball is almost here ... once again. Will the Nationals win or just participate?

Bye Brett Favre ... thanks for everything.

Hey, Clemens ... only a few more weeks to get pumped up ... if you need help Juicer Bonds can help you.

What My Mother Taught Me.

A friend sent this to me and boy does it bring back the memories ....

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.
"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.
"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.
"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC
" Because I said so, that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.
"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.
"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY.
"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS .
"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.
"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.
"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.
"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY
"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE .
"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION .
"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.
"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION
"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING
"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.
"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP .
"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR .
"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me"

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.
"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.
"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.
"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. WISDOM.
"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. My mother taught me about JUSTICE .
"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you"

That's why MOTHERS RULE!

Another Month slowly Passes by

Well, another weekend fades into the sunset. The weekend started with a food fest at the Chinese Restaurant on Saturday night. We wound up bringing quite a bit home, to which it was consumed on Sunday. Saturday was spent fixing computers, cars, and playing with the kids. One salesman pitched us to refinance the house but I think it fell a little short. We will know more this week and make a final decision. More free money means more cruises. Sunday was the normal ... church and bowling. This Sunday was a Law and Order SVU marathon and several of the shows sparked some discussion and comments between the people that were there. For the most part this weekend, the TV remained off and just music played through the sound system. Of course the usual rolling on the floor with Lil Princess and Punk occurred. She is almost crawling but for now it is more a scoot than a crawl. The area behind the back fence was cut down so now I have to do some trash cleanup back there ... unless some energetic young person volunteers to make some money doing it. Oh, forget that ... that involves the nasty word "work." Work continues to plod along. Not much has changed and I doubt it ever will.

Lady is back on her exercise schedule ... must be something about wearing the bikini on the next cruise in 10 months. She went into a cleaning spree Friday and Saturday and now I can't find anything. man, I hate having things where they belong.

#1 is doing fine and stays busy at his job. Maybe we can conn him into taking a vacation back here around June.

#2 is back in the job seeking market. They just upped and let him go. Something to be expected in a family owned business ... the outsider is the first to go.

Peanut is getting bigger especially after she ate Saturday Night. Hopefully the baby will come soon because if she sits any further back from the table her arms won't be long enough. It would also help make sure she puts on matching socks ... she hasn't seen her feet in a while.

Before Pulling the Lever ....

Taxes ... Whether Democrat or a Republican you will find these statistics enlightening and amazing.

Taxes under Clinton 1999 :::: Taxes under Bush 2008
Single making 30K - tax $8,400 :::: tax $4,500
Single making 50K - tax $14,000 :::: tax $12,500
Single making 75K - tax $23,250 :::: tax $18,750
Married making 60K - tax $16,800 :::: tax $9,000
Married making 75K - tax $21,000 :::: tax $18,750
Married making 125K - tax $38,750 :::: tax $31,250

It is amazing how many people that fall into the categories above think Bush is screwing them and Bill Clinton was the greatest President ever. If Obama or Hillary are elected, they both say they will repeal the Bush tax cuts and a good portion of the people that fall into the categories above can't wait for it to happen. This is like the movie "The Sting" with Paul Newman; you scam somebody out of some money and they don't even know what happened.

Source: www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/151.html

Thanks Mom!!!

After 21 years of marriage, my wife wanted me to take another woman out to dinner and a movie.

She said, "I love you, but I know this other woman loves you and would love to spend some time with you."

The other woman that my wife wanted me to visit was my Mother, who has been a widow for 19 years, but the demands of my work and my three children had made it possible to visit her only occasionally.

That night I called to invite her to go out for dinner and a movie. "What's wrong, are you well," she asked? My mother is the type of woman who suspects that a late night call or a surprise invitation is a sign of bad news.

"I thought that it would be pleasant to spend some time with you," I responded "just the two of us." She thought about it for a moment, and then said, "I would like that very much." That Friday after work, as I drove over to pick her up I was a bit nervous. When I arrived at her house, I noticed that she, too, seemed to be nervous about our date. She waited in the door with her coat on. She had curled her hair and was wearing the dress that she had worn to celebrate her last wedding anniversary.

She smiled from a face that was as radiant as an angel's. "I told my friends that I was going to go out with my son, and they were impressed," she said, as she got into the car. "They can't wait to hear about our meeting." We went to a restaurant that, although not elegant, was very nice and cozy. My mother took my arm as if she were the First Lady.

After we sat down, I had to read the menu. Her eyes could only read large print. Half way through the entries, I lifted my eyes and saw Mother sitting there staring at me. A nostalgic smile was on her lips.

"It was I who used to have to read the menu when you were small," she said. "Then it's time that you relax and let me return the favor," I responded. During the dinner, we had an agreeable conversation nothing extraordinary but catching up on recent events of each other's life. We talked so much that we missed the movie. As we arrived at her house later, she said, "I'll go out with you again, but only if you let me invite you." I agreed.

"How was your dinner date?" asked my wife when I got home. "Very nice, much more so than I could have imagined," I answered.

A few days later, my mother died of a massive heart attack. It happened so suddenly that I didn't have a chance to do anything for her. Some time later, I received an envelope with a copy of a restaurant receipt from the same place Mother and I had dined. An attached note said: "I paid this bill in advance. I wasn't sure that I could be there; but nevertheless, I paid for two plates - one for you and the other for your wife. You will never know what that night meant for me. I love you, son."

At that moment, I understood the importance of saying in time: "I love you." and to give our loved ones the time that they deserve. Nothing in life is more important than our family. Give them the time they deserve, because these things cannot be put off until 'some other time.'

• Somebody said it takes about six weeks to get back to normal after you've had a baby ... that somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother,"normal" is history.
• Somebody said you can't love the second child as much as you love the first ... that somebody doesn't have two or more children.
• Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is labor and delivery ... that somebody never watched her "baby" get on the bus for the first day of kindergarten ... or on a plane headed for military "boot camp."
• Somebody said a Mother can stop worrying after her child gets married ... well that somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter-in-law to a Mother's heartstrings.
• Somebody said a Mother's job is done when her last child leaves home ... that somebody never had grandchildren.
• Somebody said your Mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her ... that somebody isn't a Mother.
  

Pass this along to all the "Mothers" in your life and to everyone who ever had a mother. This isn't just about being a Mother; it's about appreciating the people in your lives while you have them ... no matter who that person is.

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle".

One way to Play with a Balloon -- Kick it

Not much to report. The house is quiet and we are enjoying it. The tree Service showed up this morning to trim some trees and clear out the brush from the back of the property. Just a mild surprise because they were to call first and schedule this. Oh well. Repainting the spare bedroom is going well. I wonder if there is a color I can use that will make people not want to sleep in there? lady tried to give me the cold she had but it bounced off for the most part. It did slow me down but never ground me to a halt like it did her. I am ready for another weekend at Cheat River. The quiet and peacefulness really appeals to me right now.

Work is the same. Some people bust their butt and others don't even show up but get paid. The corporate weenies are up to the same game ... showing us how much they don't know. They sent us a new laptop (all setup with software) this also included a password cracking CD ... because none of them can remember the password for the Administrator or the user. And they are the experts? We have to install their computer rack instead of using ours ... why? ... because they have a support and maintenance agreement for the METAL RACK. How much support does a metal box need! Did they use Chinese steel that rusts in 3 months? Some people just have to spend money and they will swallow any story if it has a good dollar value attached to it. These are the same nuts that will pay $950 for a Dell computer that we can buy for $400. Why? They get a corporate discount that we don't get from our vendor. These are the same goons that buy an Internet streaming company then outsource their internet streaming to another vendor. They act like all the money is theirs to spend but they forget they are only overhead ... the real money is earned out in the field. I guess I should stop now because you are probably rolling on the floor laughing and I wouldn't want to hurt your sides.

Wild Mom should be here in 21 days to start her most excellent adventure to New Mexico.

#1 is doing fine in snowy Colorado. We had a very good talk the other night. Maybe he will take another vacation soon and visit the warmth of Virginia.

#2 has fallen into that rut of work - work - work. Just think only 44 more years to go.

Can't wait for Punk and Lil Princess to show up. She is growing so much it seem that each time she comes over she is someone else. Besides ... it is fun to resist her charms.

Let Them Roll

Back to the grind after a quiet weekend. The highlight was the Sweet Heart Dinner at church on Saturday night. It was nice and more than enough food. Bowling was mixed as the kids went 3-1 and the night crew lost. That should drop us back to 4th again after a brief stay at #2. I saw a couple of great movies this weekend on TV (Man of the Year, Powder, We are Soldiers). But I still need to go and see Cloverfield at the cinema. Guess I will have to go alone.

Albuquerque is now booked and all that is left is to wait these last 4 weeks. The cruise is booked so the dreaming can begin.

Wild Mom is finishing her visit with Gung Ho J. It is off to Camp Geiger and the next phase of her training. Some birdie told me that her brother is heading for the Navy ... Good judgment, poor choice. We do wish him the best of luck.

#1 is dealing with the snow and cold, such is life in Cold Country. Perhaps he will be more open to a visit to the warm state of Virginia soon.

#2 continues to work and get ready for work the rest of the time. The shorter drive to the store is nice since his car uses less gas because of the shorter drive. It is fun watching him when he leaves trash laying around after he is done using it. No one to blame ... it is easy to find the culprit when it involves pizza pockets or soda's.

Lil Princess, what can you say? She is trying her best to wrap me around her finger but not having that much luck. She almost made it up to a sitting position Saturday and on Sunday managed to crawl a few steps. Nothing is safe once she gets the hang of things.

Punk was his usual self. It is amazing how good he is getting with the Leapster. One amusing thought is he also has found some of those games that cheat. Just like #1 did. It is also fun watching him watch popcorn in the microwave. I don't know who is popping more ... him or the corn.

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It is fun seeing the Redskins continue their losing ways as they choose a new head coach.

Baseball is just a short time away. Once again the Nationals will attempt to have a winning season. Funny thing is they will have a new stadium but there will be no where to park unless you pawn your first born to pay for it.

Elections? I am still waiting for 2 good candidates to show up. It seems this year will be the "pick of the lesser evil." Huckabee is now starting to whine as he calls foul at every chance he gets. Please lose graciously ... and quit using the poor Christian card.

Does Your Chewing Gum Lose it's Flavor on the Bed Post Overnight?

Guess I need to go and find a giant sponge to absorb all the water in my front yard. All the rain over the last few weeks has turned the front yard into a mud hole. Speaking of mud hole, yesterday Lew was swinging on a swing at the playground and fell off ... planting his face squarely into the mud. Needless to say but he was a hoot to look at ... brown face and all. Bowling went very well. The kids went 4-0 and the night league went 7-0 against the 4th place team, we are third. Next week will be a challenge because it is position round and we will possibly be going against the 1st place team. Who would believe and to top that, Lady did very well. The weekend was also fun because Lil Princess is showing us her personality and reacting to us. I think I played on the floor with her almost all evening. Of course my knees barked at me later. Her laugh will melt your heart and how can you say no? I think I am in trouble when she gets older.

Well it now looks like 23 January 2009, on the Norwegian Pearl to the Southern Caribbean for 9 days. If you want to go, let me know and I will give you the number to our travel agent who is putting this together for us. I had no votes for Orlando so I guess that was a bad idea or no one was interested. Shoot, this weekend, several gallons of paint showed up at the house. I guess I know what comes next ... sanding.

Work is pretty much the same. Many projects and even more on the horizon. At this point I am getting beyond letting it matter any more. Something runs for several years flawlessly, and then Corporate mandates a change and then when it breaks, it is our fault and then they ask us to change it back to make it work right. Of course, making it work when it is changed back is their achievement and brainstorm. All we are are some dumb engineers that don't know better.

I know, I will retire and let all the kids support me. :)

Looks like the Pats used a page from the Redskins playbook and LOST.

Rested!

Well after a relaxing weekend it is back to work. Jennifer's graduation was great. Something about a woman in uniform ... we wish her the best as she goes to School of Infantry at Camp Geiger NC. We left Hilton Head and managed to leisurely travel up to Myrtle Beach where we spent the night in a Hotel next to the ocean in Downtown Myrtle Beach. We ate at a great restaurant, "Sea Captains House" and the seafood was great. Saturday Morning we headed north along the coast and it took all day to get to Norfolk Va. We managed to get home about 9:30 Saturday Night. Sunday was the usual. Breakfast with Lynne and Carl at Yorkshire, Church and then Bowling. The Youth team did well and the Adult team at night did great going 7-0 and keeping us solidly in 4Th place. Lady and I were pretty much tied after two games but ... you use your imagination.

Plans:

• Albuquerque NM is being planning and booked this week. Looks like March 18-25 for the tournament and train ride.
• Cruise planned for early January 2009. Looks like Southern Caribbean is the main focus.
• I wonder how many votes I could get for Disney World in Orlando in the Summer?
  

With all the changes, the house is very quiet. Now we get to start the repair process (painting, fixing, new furniture, and cleaning). Any volunteers?

Wild Mom is still on the road and our short visit in Hilton head was nice.

#1 is enjoying the snow and more is on the way.

#2 enjoys the new job but he is ready for a day off. It seems full time does get you tired. Amazing what an extra 20 hours a week does.

No updates from Lew or Lil Princess as we were gone this weekend on the mini-vacation.