Gettin' better

I am almost a dad of 3rd graders. Today is their last day of 2nd grade, and for the twins, it's bittersweet. They can't play with their school friends sans one, ober the summer, but we have a staycation planed to Padre. So that will be good.

I kind of don't lke them gong nto 3rd grade. That just means another year has been ti ked off the calendar for me. Luckily, I'm like fine wine. I just get better with age. My wife says I look like I'm about 37, gray hair and all. I thik I don't look a day over 35.

Guns in college classrooms

recently, there's been a big to do in the Texas Senate about allowing faculty, staff, administrators, and any adult over 21 who has been through the concealed handgun license (CHL) course in Texas the right to keep and bear arms for self-protection inside the classroom.

So much so, that two Senators are lying about it.

The first, Sen. Rodney Ellis(D)-Houston, claims that Houston Community College will be paying up to $900,000 in additional premiums if concealed handguns are allowed on campus. That would be a first, with 71 colleges in 5 states never having their premiums raised-and to quote an article by Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, "... Robert Greene—a concealed handgun instructor, former police officer, and licensed insurance agent—to do a little investigating of his own. Mr. Greene noted, “In all my years of writing commercial insurance for businesses, schools, churches, and the like, I have never had an underwriting questionnaire ask or even allude to whether or not the insured allows CHL holders to carry on the premises. I inquired of my underwriters, and not one indicated that this had ever been an underwriting question.”
I would suggest HCC get a new insurance company.

But the biggest, most bald-faced lie comes from Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr. (henceforth known as Eddie #2). Eddie #2 claims that there is a secondary school that shares a college campus...buildings, library, gym, everything. So, since all of this is integrated, he can't POSSIBLY vote for the bill. But wait--these 14 and 15 year old girls were sharing lunchrooms, gyms, and the library with young, virile men?

Well, it turns out, after a little investigating, that that is not the case at all. (You can rad the entire thing here.

He then states (incorrectly) that it is illegal to have guns on elementary or secondary school grounds. He went as far as citing the "Gun Free Schools Act." Well, I guess Eddie #2 didn't read all the way down. In 18 USC 922 (q)(2)(B)(ii), it states you may have a concealed handgun on campus:
"if the individual possessing the firearm is licensed to do
so by the State in which the school zone is located or a political
subdivision of the State, and the law of the State or political
subdivision requires that, before an individual obtains such a
license, the law enforcement authorities of the State or political
subdivision verify that the individual is qualified under law to
receive the license;"

and:(v) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into
between a school in the school zone and the individual or an
employer of the individual;

So I am guessing some deep pockets are at work here in Eddie #2's case. His is the one vote that can make sure mature adults can carry and protect themselves and others. Whatever his motivation, he is working against the best interest of the students.

Yosemitebear Mountain Giant Double Rainbow 1-8-10

And this, boys and girls, is why I have been proudly drug-free for all of my 40 years.

Wow. I am almost the father of two eight year olds. Their birthday is in two weeks. Couldn't be happier. Christmas is coming. The holidays are a great time for all of us.

I have the walkway lights out and some decorations in the front yard. I watched "Invasion of the Christmas Lights (part deaux), and the wife turned to me and asked, "Does that make you excited?" I said, "No, it makes my back hurt."

We're kind of bizarre, though. Both us being Lutheran, we have an advent calendar. It has little boxes you can put stuff in. Well, there's one of Santa's elves who leaves notes in the boxes, and he gives the boys small little toys every night. They get up in the morning and read the note and play with (or use) whatever the elf leaves. Oh, and the elf's name is Walter. Last year, it was Tink.

It's kind of this pagan, Hanukkah, Christmas type of thing. But it works for us.

Oh, yeah, then there are the trees. 6, to be exact. One in the living room, one in the breakfast nook, one in the dining room, one each for the boys, and the Charlie Brown tree. Out of these six, we were only crazy enough to buy one live one.

I'm off Christmas Day, so I get to spend it with the family. And playing with my toys.

Billy Ray Cyrus - Some Gave All

Of Mosques and Marriage

As of this writing, there is a movement to build a mosque 600 feet away from Ground Zero. Now, IF the people who claim this is for healing and to memorialize those who gave their lives in 9/11, I would say, by all means build it. Do they have a right to build it? Well, let me see, the First Amendment, as President Barack Obama seeimingly just discovered, protects the right to build it. However, the leader of the group, one Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who, as we speak is in the Middle East on a "goodwill" mission, refuses to label Hamas a terrorist organization. Someone who will not condemn must approve. This is in bad taste. In my opinion, it is a slap in the face of every person not just in the Twin Towers, but also on those planes that hit the buildings. Just becasue you CAN do something, doesn't mean you SHOULD.

If this goes through, how about the Ted Bundy school for girls? The Ted Kennedy Memorial Causeway over Chappaquidick?

From what I have heard and read, many union workers who would be building this will conveniently call in sick. If no one is willing to build it, it will not get built. But, it just might go through. If they find some people to build it, then all of those who refuse to build it can build something right next to it...Greg Gutfeld's gay bar. Classic.

Which brings me to the other topic in some dispute, gay marriage. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of propagating the species. It has been this way for hundreds, if not thousands of years, back when Og bashed his choice over the head and drug her back to the cave. It is noted as such in every culture around the world. With that being said,(here comes my libertarian streak coming out) if two consenting adults want the legal right for one of them to have access to the others' property, if they want to live together and do whatever they do in the bedroom, then so be it. The main point they want to make is that it is a "marriage". This is twisting the knife into those intolerant of homosexuality in general. It is a knee jerk reaction. They are playing with semantics. And, those who are pushing loudest for this know it. Should we make it illegal? No. It violates equal protection to ban it. Call it a civil union. Call it a partnership. Whatever your religious or political predilections are, both sides just need to use some common sense.

Has it been that long?

Wow...I must have been busier than I thought. Well, we have oil that should be in cars in the gulf. Where are the protesters? Where is Greenpeace taunting BP? Where is the Sierra Club? Where are all the wackos who are usually tied to trees? Can you imagine if this was a conservative president during all of this? All of these greenie weenie groups would want his head on a platter.

I'm thinking about writing again. Just columns in the paper. I REALLY need to get one out about Connor before he finds out I wrote one about Logan, and not him. Oops...my faux pas. I will...I just need to be inspired.

That's about it. More later.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Happy Mother's Day to all moms, not just mine. From all of us sons, daughters, grandkids, etc., thank you for all you do and all you've done for us.

You're one of the biggest influence in our lives, and we all love you.

Mom, I don't say it enough any more, but I love you. My wife loves you. And my kids all love you.

You made me the man I am today...well, the snarky part, at least. :-)

I.D., please

The Arizona governor just signed a "controversial" immigration reform bill into law. For those who have been under a rock, or just don't follow the news, the main tenets of the bill are:

1)Cops have the authority to determine if someone is in the country illegally, and ask for documentation to determine if they are, in fact, legal residents.

2)People can sue the law enforcement agency if they aren't doing their job by enforcing #1.

So.....where's the controversy?

People are worried about being racially profiled as illegal immigrants. Well, you could stay out of trouble and not give the police a reason to suspect you of any wrong doing. (in other words, DON'T RUN FROM THEM!!!)

True, there may be the occasional rogue cop who abuses this, but for the most part, I don't see this being put into effect 24/7. Like every law, it might only be enacted when, I don't know, people are breaking the law. Go figure.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio is all for this bill. So are, from what I hear, the majority of Arizonans. Only time will tell how this works.

The good ol' days...

How many of you have grandparents (or parents, even) who are like the Grumpy Old Man Dana Carvey plaed on Saturday Night Live...you know, the one who started out sentences with "When I was your age..."?

Now, how many you had parents or grandparents who MEANT it?

Seems like they had it rough....going to school, uphill both ways in the snow, with paper sacks for shoes...

Had to work 18 hours a day, 6 days a week to get enough money to buy a 5 cent hamburger....

Then split that up between themselves and 6 siblings... (And they always liked it!!)

This generation we can't do that. What are we going to tell our grandkids? "When I was your age, we had to lift our arm and point a remote control to turn on the TV set...we couldn't just blink."

"When I was your age, we had to put the car in gear for it to drive..not just tell it where to go!!"

How about these:

"When I was your age, people actually went out, got jobs, and were rewarded for doing hard work. They didn't give over all of their money to the government and were told they were the drain on America because they didn't want handouts."

"When I was your age, we had to earn things like cars, televisions, houses....we didn't just get them because we breathe air."

"When I was your age, we could own a gun and defend ourselves when some recidivistic scumbag broke into our house at 3 am wanting to rob and kill us, instead of being convicted of a crime because we decided the stuff we had was ours...including our family's lives."

And, how about..."When I was your age, we could speak our mind...we had a Constitution, not some "global hate speech" law..."

AND WE LIKED IT!!!

Smokin'...

Didn't post because it was Easter. Yeah, that's the ticket!! Been busy this week. Tired, too. Got some stuff the boss wanted planted in the front yard, been doing other bits and pieces of yard work.

My big news is that I got a new smoker. Yes, that's right, a box where you pop in a big slab of meat, spend about 10 minutes every 3 hours switching out charcoal and wood chips, and voila, in a few hours, you have some delicious smoked meat.

Got it Friday. Was at work, so had to wait until Saturday to use it. First thing I smoked was a rack of spare ribs that would have made Fred Flintsone proud. Took about 8 hours. Fan-freaking-tastic. Then, that night, smoked a brisket the size of a SmartCar and stayed up all night, switching the coal and wood chips out. That, too, was awesome.

Next up on Sunday, gonna throw two (dead) chickens in there, and see what happens. Hopefully they'll turn out.

I'll have a better rant next time. I promise.

So sorry...didn't post last night. I was so tired I forgot.

Anyway, just a quick rundown...garden is looking good. Boys are great, had an old friend come by Wed. night and it was like old times. I'm trying to talk my wife into getting a wind turbine for the home. No luck so far. After all, when the economy comes crashing down, we won't be able to afford our light bill.

Fedzilla is on its' way to every house. Fight for your right to property. They've already nullified 60 or so leases on federal land because someone might have seen a one-eyed albino willyjumper or some crap like that. And these were ranchers and farmers who were using the land properly and for the good of themselves, their neighbors, and because of that, their country.

Stand.

And so it begins...

If memory serves me correctly, if enough bad stuff was fed into his system, Godzilla grew, and became more powerful. Life is no imitating art. But, this time, it's not Godzilla, but Fedzilla. That bloated, self righteous, egomaniacal, fairy tale creature that has, sadly enough, come to life.

Congrats to the 224 morons who voted for this bill. For most of you, you just sealed your fate. Soon you will be out of the public eye and will have to face your (former) constituents and see what havoc you hath wreaked upon them. But, they don't care. They're set for life. They won't have to abide by the rules they themselves made. Fedzilla has demolished Washington, D.C., and will soon demolish the rest of America.

Can this be stopped? I think it can. Starting in November of this year (2010), I think the vision that Madison wrote about in the Federalist Papers (which every Congressman should be required to read, along with the constitution) will once again come to fruition. People WILL hold their Congresspeople accountable. People WILL demand a litmus test to see if this person who they choose to elect will do their will, instead of the will of lobbyists, many of which represent entities that go against everything this country stands for.

Standing up for our rights and holding the powers that be accountable are the best way of stopping Fedzilla dead in its' tracks. Keep fighting. Call your Senators and tell them to vote no. Also, read. But not the best sellers on the conservative book club's 10 best list. Or those books that Glenn Beck and Rush Limbaugh (if you listen to them) say are must reads. Read "The Communist Manifesto". Read "Rules For Radicals". Read the writings of Woodrow Wilson. More than that, however, understand what they say and what they mean.

Question what you believe. I have, and it made my faith in what I believe even stronger.

“If once the people become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress and Assemblies, Judges and Governors, shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature, in spite of individual exceptions.” Thomas Jefferson

The American Dream

I was thinking today about "The American Dream". What exactly is it? Well, I think it's something different for every person. For some, it's making as much money as humanly possible, all the glitz and glamor and the trappings associated with it. For others, it's a warm meal and a dry place to lay your head. For most of us, I believe it's just living your life as well as possible. Being good parents, going to your job, paying your bills. Do you really need the trappings? Do you really want all the money and all the problems? The money would be nice, don't get me wrong. But, I'm not sure about the headaches.

In the Declaration of Independence, it is stated that we have self-evident truths.That we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights. Among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Happiness itself, however, is not guaranteed. It can not be guaranteed by any edict, rule, or law. It can not be guaranteed by coveting what your neighbor has. It can not be guaranteed by any extrinsic factor. The happiness you pursue can only be found in yourself, and in your relationship with whatever form you believe that Creator takes. That is intrinsic in nature. No one, no thing, no place on Earth can make you totally happy. They help with it, but in the end, it's you and that Creator.

Every day, I wake up, go to work (or do chores around the house), come home, spend time with my family, kiss my wife, hug my boys, and know that I did my best. Every morning I wake up, I try to remember to thank God for every day, and for the ability and the freedom to do what I need and want to do. I am living the American dream.

Keep the positive attitude. I may sometimes seem frustrated, irritable, tired, and cranky, but then God gives me a proverbial slap on the back of the head and reminds me to be thankful for everything He has given me. And all I really need. My life, my freedom, and my family. I understand my needs, and my wants. And pursuing those unalienable rights--celebrating those self evident truths--help me appreciate the wants and the value of it all. For this, I am truly thankful.

Hollywood deaths

Okay, I have to get this off of my chest. Yes, it is sad that Corey Haim died today. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

With that being said, he brought it on himself. Putting that crap in his body means sooner or later he would end up dead. That is a foregone conclusion.

It must be something about that environment that does it to them. In that fishbowl called Hollyweird, as old family friend (the late) Allen Wayne Damron had on one of his album covers: "Everything in excess...Moderation is for monks."

Look at the LONG line of entertainers who died young due to drugs: Hank Williams, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jim Belushi, River Phoenix, Heath Ledger, Chris Farley...and the list goes on. Now, Corey Haim. He lasted longer than the others.

Who will be next?

And the WINNER is.....

As I sit in my kitchen, the vapid, insipid, vacuous, and banal sounds of the Academy Awards is present in the background. I don't know about you, but I find these awards shows to be self-aggrandizing PR ploys so some off the wall designer can sell some ugly, expensive clothes just because their label is on them, and to garner interest in a bloaded industry. It's a popularity contest among the popular.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy movies. Just not "Academy Award" type movies. I would rather cut my spleen out with a dull, rusty, feces infested grapefruit spoon than watch one of those. Unless there's lots of action, things blowing up, and gunplay. Then, I'll watch it. Until a James Bond film gets nominated for best picture, I might care. And, when they bring back saying, "And the winner is..." instead of reminding everyone, "Everyone here is a winner". No, Stuart Smalley, not everyone there are winners. There are four losers and one winner. Like life, which these award shows are not imitating.

Arrogance of Olympic proportions

Okay, so my wife tells me tonight that some Russian ice skating male has said if someone can't do a quadruple spinning putzjammer (or some crap like that), then they shouldn't win the Gold Medal. Not that I give two dead flies about it. He apparently says this after the American, who claims he opted to not do the spin or twist or whatever the hell it is, won the Gold Medal. So,in my eyes, not only do I not give two dead flies about it, I now don't give two dead flies about it, AND he's a sore loser.

So what does he do after this? He apparently awards himself a "Platinum" Medal. He can't lose graciously. He has to throw some hissy fit and do something asinine. So now, I don't give two dead flies, and he's an arrogant sore loser.

Wish one of the American hockey players would have body checked his little sequin wearing, flitting around ass into the stands. I would have DVR'd that and played it over and over and over. And over.

On that note, why do we even have the Olympics? I mean, even though it is reminiscent of when the best and the strongest competed in Ancient Greece in the original Olympic games, and is a great test for young athletes to show their talents and hard work, and brings countries together for a pride in their nation that says "we're the best by beating the best", and shows truly what America is about--working hard, performing well, and sometimes falling, but when you do, you pick yourself up and finish; and sometimes, winning--and being magnanimous either way. in this arena of ideas where every kid gets a trophy just for showing up to events, where no one country should be better than another, and where mediocrity is not just encouraged but revered, is it right for us to celebrate our country's victories over another because we are all supposed to be on the same level? Why aren't people crying, wailing, and gnashing their teeth over this? I find it kind of ironic.

But, maybe I'm just being bitter because the U.S. didn't even place in curling.

Alone for the moment

My wonderful wife is about 120 miles north of me right now, on a conference for business. That means it's a few "man days" as my 7 year old twins call them.

I love being a dad. We were hanging out, just playing video games and got a good insight on what modern 7 year olds are like. They're pretty cool, in a goofy, geeky-without-knowing-it kind of way. They say some pretty funny things, but act way silly. I have already contacted my parents and apologized profusely for how I acted. They are my children. Right down to the armpit farts.

Anyway, they're good kids. I just wouldn't want to do this whole parenthood thing alone all the time. My wife is my partner in it, and we make a pretty damn good team.

They watched "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" earlier. They'll finish it tomorrow night before I turn it back in. Pretty boring day. But, I wouldn't change it for the world.

Oops...

Missed this past weekend's post with Valentine's and all....I'm a cad. I got my wife a card, but no gift. Why? Because I suck at giving gifts. She even said so. She claims it's the effort I put into it, and not the gift itself. Maybe I can get her new shoelaces for her running shoes. Not that she needs them, mind you, but I can say, "yeah, but I put a lot of thought and effort into this gift." Since that's what counts. I can ask her mom and her friends, but I guess I need to really think about what to give. The only problem is, what I think she'll like is maybe totally different than what she likes. And I get some awesome things. Like my IPod touch.

I got angry. I guess she wants me to put a lot of thought into getting her a Snuggie (which she would hate and probably re-gift)than get her a nice card with a nice sentiment written inside. which is what I gave her (the card, not the Snuggie). But, if I suck at giving gifts,and she knows it, she'd be doubly disappointed because the gift would suck. And he being underenthused about some of what I have given her in the past has kind of made me gun shy to even try.

I was frustrated and I had to take a drive to clear my head some and driving fast on the back roads of my youth with some Uncle Ted (Nugent, for the uninformed) blaring out of the speakers calmed me down. I don't know why hard, bass thumping, screaming guitar rock and roll does it for me. Maybe that's what I heard in the womb. Maybe it's my friend's brother Steve whose to blame. After all, I first heard "Cat Scratch Fever" at his house. And was introduced to KISS. Or maybe, like the real Delta and Texas blues, it's real. But, I digress....

So, anyway, I have an idea for something. It's something I have been thinking about for a long time to get back into the good graces, and show her that no matter how bleak things seem, I do love her. I think it's time. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Top 20 guy movies (my picks)

Okay....after much deliberation about what I should blog about, I decided on something that has been debated...the top 10 movies every guy should watch with a nice steak. This is not all-inclusive, but it's a good start. Neither is it in order, but rather just a list as I think of them. Remember, this is a matter of taste and opinion, so here it goes....

#20) "Walking Tall"

Joe Don Baker's version, not Dwayne Johnson's. Joe Don Baker taking Teddy Roosevelt's advise about carrying a big stick.

#19) "Every Which Way But Loose"

"Right turn, Clyde". A tough guy named Philo Beddoe, an Orangutan, and Momma. Need I say more?

#18) "Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail".

One of the most quoted movies ever, and for good reason.Drunk or sober, funny as hell.

#17) "Rocky"

Classic story about the underdog. Sly Stallone's second best movie. (Best is at #4)

#16) "El Dorado"

John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and James Caan. Or is it "Rio Bravo"? Oh, well...basically the same film. Whichever one has John Wayne throwing dynamite to get the bad guys out of the house.

#15) "Death Wish"

Charles Bronson out for revenge on the scum who killed his wife and raped his daughter.

#14) "Dirty Harry".

Eastwood. .44 mag. 'Nuff said.

#13) "Pale Rider"

Often overlooked, a preacher helps some prospectors in the early california gold rush. But, the preacher isn't as peaceful as he seems.

#12) "Lone Wolf McQuade"

Have to get Chuck Norris in here somehow, and this is better than his other films...the fight with Bruce Lee is a close second.

#11) "The Dirty Dozen"

12 misfits released from military prison to do a job no one else wants to do.

#10) "Under Seige"

Before we all knew he was a vegetarian green spewing self proclaimed Lama reincarnation, Steven Seagal could kick some major ass. He couldn't act then, or now, but his Aikido was awesome. That is why I chose his last best movie, "Under Seige". At the time heralded as "Die Hard" on a battleship, it had everything any guy could want...firepower, explosives, high body counts, and Erika Eleniak. He played a ex-seal turned cook on a warship who had to save the world from a crazy Tommy Lee Jones and even crazier Gary Busey.

#9) "Patton"

Need I say more? A movie about one of the best generals this country ever produced, and showing why Hitler feared him and the Japanese hated him. George C. Scott was phenomenal and it makes you proud to be an American.

#8)"Goldeneye"

One of (IMHO) the best James Bond films ever, right next to Goldfinger, Pierce Brosnan's first foray into the Bond role. Again, firepower, explosives, and the ubiquitous Bond girls (Famke Janssen and Izabella Scorupco), with the bad guys getting their come-uppance in true secret agent fashion.

#7) "The Magnificent Seven"

Akira Kurosawa's "The Seven Samurai" in an "Americanized" format, as seven hard cases help a poor Mexican town from banditos. Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, and James Coburn all in one film. Truly a Hollywood classic.

#6)"The Quiet Man"

You can talk about Bogey and Bacall (or Bergman), or Tracy and Hepburn, or even Pitt and Jolie, but my favorite is Wayne and O'Hara. Yes, this seems like an odd choice, but this is a "chick flick" guys can like. Not only does it have John Wayne in it, playing a boxer who returns to his Irish ancestral home, it has one of the most scandalous scenes for the 1950's. The fight is classic, and the supporting characters make things interesting. A slow pace, but you're not bored.

#5) "Bullitt"

Any cop this badass is one cop I don't want to cross. Also, it has a 1968 Ford Mustang 390 CID Fastback. Although the Mopar freak in me was rooting for the 1968 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum, (I cried when the Challenger blew up in "Hellraiser", but that's another story.), you have to give the 'Stang it's props. Arguably the best automobile chase scene ever......ever.

#4) "First Blood"

Don't mess with a special forces trained Vietnam Vet with PTSD.

#3) "Ben Hur"

Have to give Charlton Heston his props with this entry. Great story, and the chariot race scene makes it worthwhile.

#2) "Predator"

By far, Arnold Schwarzenegger's best (again, in my opinion). Man vs. alien in a no-holds barred shootout for the stake of the planet. Just wished the ending would have stopped any sequels, or even AVP.

#1) "Apocolypse Now"

My favorite "AntiWar" War movie. And, I think the role that really drove Marlon Brando nuts (otherwise, why would he have taken the role of Kal-El in "Superman?").

Graphic, gritty, and disturbing. I find myself playing the strafing scenes over and over for their sheer beauty and for "Ride of the Valkyries".

Feel free to add any you think i omitted, or just post your views on the ones I chose. Feedback is always welcome.

Once a week.

Okay, I've promised myself for months now that I would keep coming back. But, my ADHD has been acting up, and other things (usually Snood) keeps me from posting things I need to. I have a lot to say, and my wife is really the only one who hears my ramblings. I'm sure she wishes I had another outlet. Oh, wait, but I DO!!!

So, here, on my blog, I promise to post something--even if it's a period or one word that describes my mood--once a week. I have a great idea to start things off with. But, you have to wait until Saturday night (it's Thursday now) to find out what it is.

Until then, I will leave you with this--sometimes I feel like Mr. Krabs, sometimes like Plankton, and sometimes like Patrick. But I have NEVER felt at all like Spongebob.

Free speech

We better blog what we think pretty quick...censorship is coming. FCC chairman believes the 1st amendment is "overstated".

Sorry so long

Wow….so much going on in the world. We’re about to lose our freedom as a country via national health care, the economy is still in the crapper, and the boys and I have the H1N1 virus. Sucks all around. On a positive note, got promoted from PCP to monitor tech at work. So, liking that. More secure position for me. More later.

Oh, yeah...

Connor was eating his frozen waffles today, and lost his first tooth. I guess I should have cooked the waffles first...

Almost done!!

Second to last shift working nights...after tomorrow...well, tonight (it's 3 am), I'll be done bathing old peopleb and wiping poop from people other than my kids. Starting Sunday, I'll be watching people's heart rhythms for 12 hours a day. Boring, you say? I say, "NAY!!" I have my blackberry and I have Pandora on my blackberry. Now if I can just stream Glenn Beck, I'll be VERY happy.

happy Independence Day

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." -Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776.

This was a death warrant for the signers. Many gave their lives in the war, or were tortured and killed by the British because of this.

Remember the foundations that made us free. God Bless you, your families, and the United States of America.

Out of the mouths...

(While sitting at the dinner table, watching "Happy Feet", a movie about penguins...)

Connor: Do Daddy penguins lay eggs?

Mommy: No, but they sit with the eggs until they hatch.

Connor: Daddy, did you sit on us until we were hatched?

Mommy: No...you were born, not hatched.

Me: Besides, I would have squished you.

Connor (looking at my chair): No, Daddy, you butt's not that big. It still fits on the chair!!

Mommy: [spit take]

Me: Uh...thanks?!?!?

Valley boys

We were watching a DVD of Disney World, when the roller coaster which goes through the "Himalayas" comes on, and a Yeti appears. Logan calls out, "The Chupacabra!!!"

Gotta be proud...

Connor has a wiggling tooth. He's excited. So are we. Means he's growing up. I say this as he and his brother are rolling around on the floor in the living room, talking like babies.

Since the post "losing myself", I have lost 16.9 pounds...and counting. Down from 254.6 to 237.7. The wife and I are doing good.

Baseball!!!!

YAY!!! I love baseball. Good news about this is that Opening Day was today. Well, not so good news for my wife. That means she'll be a "sports widow" as long as the Rangers are on.

Also, our local team (the Harlingen WhiteWings) will be playing this summer. Might have to get my boys to a game or two.

I'm giddy now.

Losing myself....

.....or at least part of me. 42 pounds of me, at least. Lord, give me strength, Big Guy....

Ahhh....

Spring Break. Supposed to be a good time for us, with something special going on, but it's just a week of hanging out with the family.

Went to the children's museum today. The boys had a great time. Later on this week, it's the livestock show. Maybe a dollar movie (I'm thrifty).

WE surround them

This is very straight forward, and no nonsense. No party lines, no partisanship. Just common sense. I guess this is why it won't fly.

WE surround them

The Day The Music Died

February 3rd, 1959. Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J P Richardson, pioneers of Rock n Roll music, all died in a plane crash outside of Clear Lake Iowa. My mother remembered that, for her, it was a sad day.

I was just a toddler when guitar virtuoso Duane Allman died in a motorcycle accident.

I (vaguely) remember October 20, 1977 when Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines of Lynyrd Skynyrd lost their lives in a plane crash outside of Gillsburg, Mississippi.

I do remember, however, the day the music died for me. August 27, 1990. Four days before my 20th birthday. I was watching TV in San Antonio and learned that Stevie Ray Vaughan had died in a helicopter crash. He was buried on my 20h birthday, August 31, 1990. I dug out this song, and I played it.

Now, I post it or the memory of Buddy, Richie, J.P., Stevie Ray, Elvis, Duane Allman, Janis Joplin, Jim Morison, Jimi Hendrix, Keith Moon, John Bonham, the members of Skynyrd I mentioned below, and the others who have died, and made that music I love. God bless and thank you for the music.

The first time I heard the keyboard in rock n roll was in 1974. I had just turned four, but I remember that keyboard part from "Sweet Home Alabama" like it was yesterday.

Then, I heard the solos from "Free Bird" and (my personal favorite) "Tuesday's Gone." It was classic.

Piano and keyboard should be in the background, but still be noticeable. Keyboard players should, likewise, be consummate professionals and have presonalities.

I never saw them live, but I wish I could have. One of the classic bands, Lynyrd Skynyrd, can add another name to heaven's roll call of:

Ronnie Van Zant
Steve Gaines
Cassie Gaines
Allan Collins
Leon Wilkeson

And now....
Billy Powell. (1952-2009)

Fly like the Free Bird.

Rest in Peace.

Here we go...

Today is a monumental day in American history. We are inaugurating the first black president of the U.S. This shows how much we have grown as a nation. God bless Barack Obama and his family, and hope he steers our country in the correct direction.

Now, the downside. We see if the socialist comes out, or if it's kept in check. The "spreading the wealth around" has started with these bailouts, and is going to continue. Let's see what happens with the (un)fairness doctrine, and the second amendment.

I have trepidation about things. We just have to see, and hope for the best.

Stuff

I got my grandfather's golf clubs for Christmas re-gripped and cleaned up. They're beautiful...and, of course, either the weather's been too bad to play, or I've been so busy I can't breathe. So, I have to wait.

Glenn Beck's coming "home" to Fox News. Can't wait to see it. I'm going to have my DVR ready.

The boys are doing good. Growing like weeds. Tried to keep them to stay 5, but they were insistent on turning six.

My wife was happy about me not watching football now. But, I reminded her, basketball and hockey are on now. She's not happy about my not watching football any more.

I might be changing job duties at work. I'm not holding my breath about it, but I am praying hard about it.

I also have a thing or two in the works that I'm thinking about. I need to flesh them out thoroughly before I proceed. I'll keep people informed.

2009

Gonna be a good year. Happy New Year to everyone.

Congratulations

To Barack Obama for being elected the 44th President of the United States.

Let's hope he does better than I think he will. Pray for him and his administration to take us in the direction we need to go.

The Republican party lost its' focus. I'm reading more about Ron Paul, and I like his ideas. I'm a Paul supporter now.

What a game

In case you missed it, or aren't much of a football fan, in which case I will chortle and call you a freak, 7th ranked Texas Tech just defeated the number one team in the country, the University of Texas, 39-33.

It was a great game. I would have said that, even if Tech had lost.

This is a case for Graham Harrell to win the Heisman Trophy. 474 yards, 2 passing touchdowns.

Michael Crabtree had 128 yards, with a 28 yard TD catch with 1 second remaining on the clock to clinch it.

I smell at least a Big 12 championship game and a guaranteed Bowl Bid...maybe the Rose Bowl? But, I digress....

Common sense

I ran into a friend of mine, who is a staunch Democrat. I handed out my "McCain/Palin" for him, and said, "I got you a present." He said, "Hey, I'm actually voting for them!" Quite taken aback, I said, "really?" and he said, "Yeah, I'm a Democrat, not an idiot. Hey, that could be a bumper sticker!!"

After everything that's come out about Obama, and now confirming my suspicions that he is a socialist with that "spreading the wealth" that he spewed, I don't see how he's still leading in the polls. And I don't see how people aren't afraid.

Anyway, I saw that John Stossel report on politics tonight. For me, who didn't sleep through any of my political science classes, it was like, "DUH". It's all common sense. Too bad more people don't see it that way, and it's sad that that program had to be aired.

Now, if government will just get out of our way and balance the budget (and stop wasting our money)and protect us from all enemies, foreign and domestic (like the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and certain members of Congress), and let free enterprise with moral responsiblity, common sense, and true justice prevail, we'll be fine.

Maybe all we need is one common sense judge, one honest accountant, and one battlefield experienced military officer to lead the country.

Don't Tread On Me

Bailout

IMHO, we shouldn't even be considering this bailout. The best thing we can do is lower the capital gains taxes. I don't hear any other common sense ideas.

I love this country. I believe that we are the greatest country on earth (Canada comes a very close second). I believe in the Constitution, I believe in self-reliance, and limited government. All of the traditional things that made this country great. When I get one, I'm going to fly a flag out in front of my house. I voice my opinion. I get involved.

I emailed one of my Senators, Kay Bailey Hutchinson, and told her I was against this bailout. I am going to email my other one, John Cornyn, and let him know what I think. My wife and I mailed off our voters' registration applcations (since we moved, we're in a new precinct). We're going to talk about saving money. I am not being silent on this. I'm watching Fox News to try and get an inkling what's going on in both candidates minds.

I believe this is the most crucial election in almost 30 years. I honestly believe our freedoms put forth in the Constitution and our being a representative republic is at stake. Unfortunately, it's not about who will shrink the government and get it out of our way, but who will grow it less and how much wiggle room they will give us around government.

Everyone who is in on this should be punished. From both sides of the aisle. And government should get the hell out of our way and let US, the American people, figure this out.

We need another revolution. But this time, not from the tyranny of Britain, but from our own government.

I am thankful to God that he provided for us when we did. We have a 30-year fixed FHA loan, good jobs in healthcare (me) and education (her), and we are out of debt. We can weather this storm. To paraphrase Hank Williams, Jr....an American can survive. And we will.

Take it back

Jumping in with both feet

My eyes are almost bleeding. Seriously. This whole political landscape is enough to make someone pack up, and move to a country that will have more liberties and freedoms than we may have in November.

Like Communist China.

I love my country. I really do. Ask anyone who knows me. They'll tell you that I bleed Red, White, and Blue. Unfortunately, in many circles, that labels one a "redneck" and "extremist". Some places, you get in trouble for flying the American flag in front of your house. All too often, if you're too patriotic and care about this country, you're mocked and chastised and ridiculed. Being a patriot makes labels you for life. So, go ahead and laugh at me. Please.

Yes, I am a political and social conservative. I am a white, Christian, conservative. I'm not conservative because I grew up middle-class or because I want to make tons of money, or because I want dirty air and water. Let me explain why I am conservative. You see, my grandfather taught us to fend for ourselves. No relying on government to help us out if we can help ourselves. Work-and if you don't work, you don't eat. period. He taught us to love God, our families, and our freedoms and responsibilities that come with living in the greatest country on Earth. I have been taught to love life, respect the environment (he was a farmer and a hunter, so he was a true conservationist), and be good to each other. These are lessons I have learned with fervor, and voice with unabashed pride. And lessons I will gladly hand down to my children.

Am I a kook? Am I a freak? Maybe so, but I am an American. But then, what do I know? I am just a guy who is clinging to his religion and guns....or, as I like to say, asserting my Constitutional rights.

Wow...three months. I can't believe it's been that long.

Anyway, we moved into the house, and the next day....Hurricane Dolly hits. Thanks to our not being part of the HUGE power company, we had ours on the next day. But, of course, I wake up, and my wife informs me that my in-laws haved moved in.

That was July, this is September.

They are still here.

They are in the back bedroom, which we have subsequently dubbed "Sunny Acres Nursing Home", or, more succinctly, "the Home". I know they're trying to get out of here. Just wish someone could do that "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" thing and do it in a week.

The twins are growing. Getting bigger. They started kindergarten and love it...the freaks. They take after their mom in that way.

Also, it was my birthday a few days ago (August 31st). I officially went from "mid-thirties" (37) to "late thirties" (38).

American Idol finals

Next week....It's David vs David.

Archuletta needs to stop squinting. He looks like he's a high-school geek trying to woo a cheerleader. All he's missing is his Starfleet uniform and Vulcan ears.

Oh, wait...that's exactly what he is.

I am not touting this as "Battle of the Davids".


This is Emo vs. Elmo.

What it looks like so far...just a small bungalow...

Homes and Cowboys.

Well, the rooms are chalked out and we should be framing in the next day or two.

Need to get the wife's camera and start snapping away.

She has a good pic of me and my belly standing in what will be our kitchen.

Onto other news....

I am happy and about the NFL draft. Happy because the Cowboys got what they needed in Felix Jones and Mike Jenkins.
Plus, they're taking a chance on Danny Amendola from Texas Tech. He's a Wes Welker-type receiver. Hope he makes a good impact. He'll be another offensive weapon.

The Dirt

No....I'm not dishing on celebrities or anything like that. I'm just letting people now that we have our dirt on our lot, and the house perimeter is staked out. WOOHOO!!

I'll get pics up once the foundation is poured.

Updates

Happy atheists' day!! (aka April Fools Day) Proverbs 1:7: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Anyway:

The bank got a hold of us....we're closing this week, and hopefully our builder will start next week. he has the contractors lined up, and a few of them have been out to look and know more or less what they'll need.

Also, I got a new phone. At least, I ordered it. It should be here this weekend.

Our lot

Sorry...no pics yet...but I did talk to the guy who sold us the lot, and part of our subdivision floods, thanks to a crushed drainpipe. takes about a week for the water to drain, and it stands about a foot in the street before it recedes.

My wife wants to get it in writing when it will be fixed. But, no telling with the county.

I'm off to work. More later.

Closer...

Well, I dropped the kids off at the in-laws and, since I was in that neck of the woods, I drove by our lot. Seems as someone has mowed it. That means work is getting started, and the next step is to get some dirt down to raise it up about 20 inches. In case of flooding in that area.

Pictures of dirt to come soon....

Oops....

Meant to do this yesterday, but Happy Resurrection Day (aka Easter) to all.

He is risen. He is risen, indeed.

Hope everyone had a good one, and God bless.

More on the house in a day or two.

Almost there

Got the finalized plans for la casa today. Looking forward to finally getting bank approval via our builder. We should get the word tomorrow, God willing.

He wants to get started the end of this month, so we'll see how that pans out.

Building with ADHD boy

Our builder is anxious to get started on the house, so he's doing a construction loan so we can get the ball rolling. Contract should be ready this week, and he should be able to start next week.

VERY excited about it.

Changes in latitude

Well, my first two weeks of work are going well. I started nights last night, I I didn't feel or look like something that came out of a George Romero movie, like I thought I would. It's cool, because I'll be cross training tomorrow and Thursday nights.

Of course, working nights means less time with la familia, but that will all work out in the end, and well worth it.

I feel like a grown up now, since I signed up for the retirement plan at work. That, plus our saving like Ebenezer Scrooge on Black Tuesday (yes, I'm mixing metaphors, but deal with it!!) should see dividends much sooner than later.

The most exciting thing, though, is that we have been "pre-approved" for our house loan. We have the blueprints almost done, and we have a plot of land reserved for us. It's in what will be the fastest growing area of our town. But for now, it's in the middle of BFE.

The Boss is already picking things out with which to decorate the house. We spent an hour and a half in the blue home improvement store (just because we had the monkey twins with us) and she started stressing about wall paint. Me, being a guy, just smiles and nods. I might bring up the fact that at least ONE wall has to be taken up by a Dallas Cowboys fathead.

I'll post some pictures once the construction starts.

New start

New year...new job. My old one sucked so bad I can't even describe everything that happened. Suffice to say, I'm done with it and have a new job in a reputable place that won't pay me with paychecks that will bounce, we'll have equipment that works, and I will have insurance and benefits. Plus, I get to wear scrubs....some of the most comfortable clothes ever invented.

Also, we're planning on moving out of here by June or July at the latest. We have a builder, we've been pre-qualified for a loan, and now we just have to find a lot to build on. Things are looking up.

Oh, yeah, I got my paycheck cashed, finally...had to threaten to take action against them to get it done, though. Scumbags.

God is good.

That long?

Wow....has it really been a month and a half since I last posted? I guess I have been busier than a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest. Sorry, folks.

Let's see, my life has pretty much been going to work, coming home and playing dad, sleeping, and eating. things at work had gone FUBAR for a while, but the dust is settling. Just so much drama going on. I am doing what my wife told me to do...keep my head down, nose clean.....and butt cheeks clenched!!

I am also thinking about starting up my column again. I had fun writing it, and some people liked reading it. So, I think it's about time to start it up again. Right after the new year.

My boys are almost 5. Makes me feel old.

I need to keep up with this more.

My new football hero

Nick Folk, kicker for the Cowboys.

Last second field goal from 53 yards to win the game, and go to 5-0.

Australia did give us something good.

Just got back from 3 days at the beach. Not the shore, not the coast, the beach. B-E-A-C-H. My boys got tanned, I got tanned, my wife hit her head on a turtle tank, and our favorite seafood place was closed.

All in all, not a bad trip.

Freaks and Geeks

No, this isn't about that old TV show. It's just something I was pondering this past weekend when my wife was watching her (un)reality TV.

I've noticed it all along, but especially now since I have gotten stronger in my walk with Christ. That is, how many of these shows today are not about being the real you, but what the world wants you to be. To be "of this world" instead of "in this world". Why not be yourself? Who cares what Hollywood thinks? I don't. I don't like seeing who is "wearing" whom on awards shows. As they say in Spanish, "no le hace". I do we net doesn't matter.

A guy who has another blog asked a question, "What if you dressed tacky and no one noticed?" Well, here's what would happen. If it were a designer, then it would be newest fad. In fact, that's happening.

However, I have bigger questions: Do we need Armani and Gucci and all of these other designers to dictate our happiness? Do we need the money and cars and beauty and what we can possess? Or do we need to dig down in our own lives and see what we really need to be happy?

Where is your happiness? What truly makes you happy? Keeping up with the Jones? Or is it the calmness and serenity of having Christ in your heart, as it is with me? The knowing that, once you "shuffle off this mortal coil" as Shakespeare said, you will have happiness and bliss for eternity? If you're not a believer, I challenge you to ask some of the hard questions. If you are, do what I need to do...start showing the grace of God in your life. Start now. Let people know, through compassion and love, that you care for them. And that it comes from being a follower of Christ.

Remember that Christ is protecting us. Remember John 17:15-17.

Be In this world, not of it.

Hooray

So, at my job, my boss was a complete idiot. We never got even the simplest things for the office or for anything else for that matter. He always had to try to micro-manage and wouldn't let anyone in management (including myself, when I was in management) to do anything without his say-so. And he always said "No". Things would break down, there would be in-fighting, and people would call off of work, and it would be his fault. Of course, once he was called, he would swoop down and "fix" everything that HE messed up. Just so he could tell the owner "see what I did".

Basically, he was running this company into the ground. He had been boss for 18 months, and was the worst boss I ever had. And that is saying something. Anyway, no one liked him or respected him, and there was a black cloud over the workplace. He was a chancre on the buttocks of life.

We were audited by a government organization and in the midst of it, our PR person notified us that the boss had a sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him, and that it was "a strong case". So, after all of this, he was FINALLY fired. The owner told us that, even though we had no office supplies or any other supplies, that this man was given money every week for incidentals.

I smell embezzlement.

So, I found out he was fired last Friday, my birthday. I look forward to going to work now.

I got some cool stuff for my b-day besides that. So, I'm going out of Labor Day weekend not too depressed. Although it was raining and I have no place to bird hunt. Cest la vie.

Can you feel it?

It's coming. I can feel it coming on like a bullet train. When it's here, I am hooked.

Can you feel it?

It's FOOTBALL SEASON!!

Earth Day

I am the son of a farmer. I am an outdoorsman, meaning I like to fish and hunt, camp and hike.

For farmers and outdoorsmen, EVERY day is Earth Day. Remember that.

This Live Earth crud, it's meaningless. What good is awareness if you don't actually do anything. Like any other of these concerts, it's an ego trip. Something to say, "Look, I care. I sang a song and said don't trash the Earth. I am a good person." Then they drive off in their SUVs or fly in their private planes and think they actually made a difference. All because they said they care.

Hypocrites.

I at least respect Ed Begley, Jr. for practicing what he preaches, even if he is a nut.

Remember all the Brouhaha over the Bush twins' partying and getting drunk? How Bush was such a bad father, etc., etc? Where is that over L'il Algore's drug use? All we get is sympathy for him. Can you say "double standard"?

I never commented on paris Hilton because I don't give two dead flies about her.

USA Day

Happy Independence Day. Not just another holiday. God Bless America. We are still the greatest country in the world, like it or not. We have our flags out...do you?

I just saw the first part of the Boston Pops fireworks thing on an alphabet network. The host was (Scotsman) Craig Ferguson. A Brit-type person hosting a commemoration of an event where (most of) our ancestors kicked his ancestors' arses.....

Ironic.

Viva La France?

Before you think I've lost my mind, I just want to clarify that the only good thing to come out of France ever is Tony Parker...point guard for the San Antonio Spurs.

At this writing, they are 3 points up, and 2:42 left. IF they win, they'll go up 3 games to 1.

I think I'm looking at a San Antonio/Cleveland Finals. The Cavs had a great final minute or two against the Nets tonight.

Stuff

Well, it's Saturday, and I don't have to work...at least at my place of employment.

I'm doing the whole hosuework thing because of the whole Mother's Day thing tomorrow. If I can, I'll post something for all the Moms out there.

Game 3 tonight between the Spurs and Suns. San Antonio had better show up, instead of the Memphis Grizzlies, who inahbited their bodies in game 2. We'll see what happens.

The boys watched SpiderMan last night, and they've got their web-slinging form down pat.

Long time no see

Well, sports fans, sorry it's been a while, but I have been working 12 hour days and being extremely tired. Some things happened at work and suffice to say I am earning my keep now. So, let's see what's been going on.

Dallas and Houston lost in the 1st round of the playoffs, so da Spurs are the only Texas team still alive. We'll see how they do this next round. Hopefully, they won't pull a Dallas and (chortle) lose. But, they're playing Phoenix, and they're better than Golden State. But, apparently, so were the (chuckle) Mavericks. Until Game seven of the first round. I finished celebrating yesterday.

The Texas Rangers suck (yet again). Let's not go there.

Connor learned a new joke, and we have heard it about a million times now... (stop me if you've heard it): Why is six afraid of seven? Because seven eight (ate) nine!!

I'm also trying to lose weght. Key word: TRYING. I have the willpower....I just like tasty food. Anyone who has it, give me some good recipes that make all low-fat food taste like chocolate cake.

Oh, yeah, best thing...I finally have A/C in my truck after 3 years!! YAY!!

More things to come, and I'll post more.

Work

I'm back in the workforce, and I am in charge!! Supervisor....I ran into someone I used to work with, and she called me jokingly (I hope) a "Stupidvisor".

I'm tired every day, but it's a good tired. More later. I'm tired.

Annoying ads & the move

Sorry....no YouTube here or anything. Just an observation.

I was watching TV, and an ad for Boniva came on with Sally Field saying, "A friend of mine told me she had to set aside time every week to take her osteoporosis medication." I was thinking, "Yeah, that extra 15-20 seconds of opening the bottle, taking the pill, and closing the bottle is WAY too time-consuming."

Anyway......

We finally moved into "The van down by the river". It will feel more like home when my better half puts up the curtains. It doesn't even seem like a mobile home...or at least, it didn't until the other day when we were leaving a big-box retailer, and there was a semi with a trailer in the parking lot. Logan gasped, pointed to the big rig, and said, "Mommy, that looks like our house!!"

Sadly enough, he's right.

Jobs and baseball

Well, I have a few offers out there. One I REALLY want, and I just got an interview for a sporting goods manager job tomorrow. We'll see how it goes.

On more news, we signed the twins up for Tee Ball. They can hit so well I think I'll take them to Texas Rangers spring training....they could be the DH's (if they put the ball on the tees for them). Seriously, they're good batting...I'm working on fielding. Try-outs are Saturday. Hopefully they'll make the same team.

Well, I got a job with Terminix. I started the paperwork, and my measurements were taken for my uniform, and then I got a call that there was no money to hire me, so I was let go.

I have more irons in the fire, so there's still hope.

Also, we're moving into a new place. It needed a paint job, so I am putting a new coat (or two) on. I feel like I'm about 95 right now.

Alright, alright....

I have been busy over the last few weeks. The biggest news is that I got a new job!! Yay!! Now, I just have to stick with it, but there is room for advancement, and my supervisors are nice, SMART, hard-working people who know about family time.

The job is for Terminix, as a termite technician. I will be making sure the little boogers don't eat people's hosues by setting bait for them.

Now, on to other news.

I am speechless about my one guilty pleasure, American Idol. You would think, after 4 plus years as a paramedic, I would shy from train wrecks. But, there is just something about watching people who can't sing assure themselves that no karaoke bar in the world would admit them that makes me feel, well.....numb. It's a pleasant distraction for a while (if you have the volume on mute). I'm not the best looking guy on the planet by far, and I can't sing. The thing is, my family KNOWS I can't sing, and they have told me in no uncertain terms that I can't. No delusions here.

Some twin news now:

About a week ago, I was driving with the twins in the back, and a car pulls out in front of me and goes -5 mph. I said, "Jeez". Out fo the back I hear from Logan one word: "idiot".

Christmas

The best part of the holiday (besides the most important fact that it is Jesus' birthday) is that moment when two sleepy eyed little boys went downstairs to find that Santa Claus brought them exactly what they wanted. I didn't care if I never got a present. The joy and awe on their faces was enough to last all year.

Now, we just have to find a place to put all the toys.

Oh, yeah

One more thing....I just have to get this off of my chest, then I'll leave it alone.

This morning, I took the twins to day care, as usual, and was looking forward to a nice ride home listening to my favorite radio host, Glenn Beck.

Well, I get in the truck, turn on the radio, and set the station to the talk station. Instead of hearing the wit and wisdom...(okay, the wit, at least) of Mr. Beck, I hear Tejano music!!

Now, it wouldn't be so bad, but we have more or less 20 stations here in this area of Texas. about 12 of them are Tejano stations. One rock, one English Christian, on Spanish Christian, one sports, one news/talk, NPR, THREE hip/hop, rap crap, pop music. They all sound the same. Honestly. Radio is getting as bad as TV.

I may need to get my XM radio out of my truck and put it in the family car.

'Tis the season

Yesterday, the twins officially turned four. I sang "Happy Birthday" to them and they looked at me like I had three heads. I know they were thinking, "We already had our party, so we're four. You're a little late, old man."

Just a couple of quick exchanges that happened since last post:

Me (to The Boss): Well, I am cleaning upstairs. I'm about halfway done. I'm just taking a break.

Connor (after crawling in my lap): That room's not going to clean itself!!

Me and The Boss: (Laughing hysterically)

Another one:

Me: Yeah, our decorations we got at KMart look like redneck decorations!

The Boss: I don't care...they're festive, dammit!!

Logan (with stern look to The Boss): Do you kiss your mother with that mouth!?

Me and The Boss: (Laughing hysterically)

4 days until Christmas.

The Cowboys

My new favorite Dallas Cowboy is Martin Gramatica. He hit a 46 yard field goal with 1 second left to beat the NY Giants for the NFC East lead.

Also, the Colts lost to Tennessee, and Rex Grossman for the Bears sucked. The defense won that game for them.

The shoe dropped

Yes, gentle readers, about two weeks ago, I was fired from the toy store. The reason I was given was that I couldn't handle a high-pressure environment (I am trained as a paramedic, remember), and that some things were wrong with how the deposits played out. Well, you know, when new cashiers drawers are off, the deposit will be off.
The real reason, I surmised after talkign to the other assistant manager, is that the district manager and store manager allegedly wanted to bring in an assistant manager from their old place of employment to the current one. Since I was the one who had the most talking-to's about stepping up my performance (and did, so the regional manager told me), I was fired first.
I found, on the state workforce page, that the other assistant manager spot was up for grabs as well. The other asst. manager didn't seemed surprised, and she has another (and much better paying) job waiting for her.
I'll just keep my chin up, pray, and keep persuing work. I have some unemployment coming to me, and I'll have a job soon. I know that God is looking out for me.

Finally

It's here....the opening of my store today. I have been chomping at the bit for this to happen!! It's going to be hectic, but good for me. I spent last night getting our floor waxed, and moving and erstacking the bulk stack. I hope everything looked alright afterwards. I didn't get a call from my manager that it sucked, but that doesn't mean he won't get on me (if it wasn't up to his standards) when I get there today. We'll just see. Pray and wish me luck.

Work, work, work...

Here's been my life...Work, eat, play with my boys, sleep....Sometimes not in that order!! Anyway, I was working one day with my regulation khakis, navy blue shirt with the logo on it, and my lanyard around my neck (I have to. I wouldn't wear an orange lanyard anywhere else on Earth.) when TWO, not one, but TWO people ask me the same stupid question...
"Excuse me, do you work here?" Then, we had some items buy one, get one half off. The signs say "FAMOUS BRANDS"(in BOLD LETTERS) and which brands were buy one, get one for half price (also in BOLD LETTERS). People would ask, "Excuse me, which famous brands are buy one, get one for half price?" I would point to the brand name. Man, I'm loving retail!!

Money, money, money

I have to make it. So, I am working at Lowe's to make some. I am starting as assistant manager with KB Toys probably next week, but we'll see. I was assured I am in, it's just a logistical matter. My feet hurt, but I like it. I get to talk to people. Money, though, is dirty. I feel it on my hands after I have handled it, and it's just nasty. After one hour of handling it, I feel like I did those 2 or 3 days after I planted all our plants and flowers at our house in San Antonio. Oh, I got my final rejection letter from the syndicators. Yay!! Now, I just need to write another column. When I have time.

Okay...had my first day of Lowe's training....boring...but I got a good feel about it. Tomorrow, I have an interview with K B Toys at 5 p.m. We'll see if I get a good feeling about that one.

I have Jobs

That's right...I have 2 people who want me to work for them. Lowe's offered me a cashier position for $9 an hour, but it's seasonal...no benefits until it becomes permanent, IF it does. KB Toys asked told me they decided to "go foward with me" for an assistant manager position at the brand new store they are opening. 10 bucks and hour, but benefits, plus I would have to drive a little ways. I'll keep everyone posted.

I know

Yeha, yeah, yeah....it's been a week or so since I have posted. There's really nothing to post, other than me going on job interviews and doing the whole dad thing. I do have some irons in the fire still. My last paycheck got lost in the mail, so I had to make a special trip today to sign some stop payment paperwork, and I have to go back tomorrow to pick up my new check. Ah, the glory of the USPS. More when something happens.

Bah, HUMBUG!!

It's my last day of work at the College, and it's also my 36th (read: OLD) birthday.

Wife and kids threw me a Star Wars party. They were all wearing Darth vader helmet masks, and my in-laws and a friend of ours came over. Had cake, blew out the candles, and Logan and Connor helped me open presents. They them proceeded to wear my new shirts I got until bathtime.

I have a lead or two on jobs. I am still looking.

My sister called me already this morning. (Thanks, Kris).

I'll keep everyone posted on what happens next.

Still going

I am still in the job search...I have some good leads, I just don't want to say what they are, in case they don't pan out.

We'll see what happens. I am putting my trust in God and my wanting to provide for my family to guide me.

And so it begins

I have been searching for a job for 3 days now. No calls. I know that it's going to take a while, but I can always hope that it doesn't, and that I transition seamlessly from one job to another. We shall wait and see.

As The Shoe Drops

Well, my birthday will be bitter-sweet...(okay, just bitter, since I'm over the mid 30's hump). I found out yetserday that the federal government will NOT be renewing our grant keeping us afloat at the college, and I will be umong the ranks of the unemployed.

But, I have a resumé, and I am NOT afraid to use it!! I also have extra refills for my G-2, and I will be getting reference letters here before too much longer. So, I am set. Now, if I could just learn Spanish in 2 weeks.

Pressure

Now that the blurb announcing this blog to friends and family ran in the paper, I need to update it more and keep it pithy.

What was I thinking?

Impulse control is not one of my better attributes...

School's in!

First day of Pre-K for the boys. They are excited. Logan wanted his mom to hold his hand while he checked things out. He then went in, started playing, and forgot about his mother.

I think they'll adjust fine.

Finally!!

My new colmn is out. You can read it here:
www.valleystar.com/articles/2006/08/14/opinions/opinion2.txt

Smart Kid!

My in-laws were watching the twins, when Logan climbs up in my father-in-law's lap and tells him "Your name is God Popo (my last name)."

My father-in-law asked him why was that his name, to which Logan replied:

"Because you love me more than anything, like God!!"

I just bought this new stuff I saw on TV to relieve headaches. It's called "Head On". Does anyone know where to apply it?

Oh, well

I got my first rejection letter from the syndicators today. It was from Tribune Media Services (TMS), and it read as follows:

Dear Jason,

Thank you for your proposal for possible syndication at TMS. Rest assured that your work was reviewed by and editor. While we may have found merit in your york, we are not currently launching new features in this content area. We are concentrating on other areas or have sufficient content at this time in the field in which you specialize.

TMS receives many submissions that are of high quality, but we can not take the vast majority. Each submission requires extensive marketing and selling effort, and we introduce a relatively small number of new features each year. Also, TMS editors often solicit and develop material for syndication that does not arrive in the form of a submission.

We do appreciate your interest and wish you the best in placing your feature elsewhere. Should we shift our focus to your area of expertise, we now have you on the radar for consideration.

Thank you,
Mary Elson
Managing Editor/Tribune Media Services

It doesn't hurt when you expect it. One down, three more to go...

The widow

About a month or so from now, my wife will be what is usually referred to as a "Football Widow". The NFL is kicking up soon, and I will be spending either my Sunday afternoons, nights, or Monday nights watching football. And watching more SportsCenter and ESPN News so I can catch up on the games I missed. She hates this time of year for that reason alone.

Maybe Connor and Logan will start watching it with me....

Ode

Today is the birthday of a friend of mine from Jr. High and High School, named Baden Rowland.

I haven't seen you in 15 years, but still...happy birthday.

Critiques

I have received two critiques for my work. The first one was from B. A. Mata of Brownsville, TX, which read:

"I had a good laugh at the well-written essay on overly seasoned food printed May 7 written by Jason Wreden, which was titled “No reasoning for the seasoning.” I have cut the letter out and added it to my collection on the refrigerator door."

Thank you, Mr. or Ms. Mata. I aprreciate it.

Then, I had Mr. Don Kique, also of Brownsville, TX, respond to my "Real men wear tights?" column with a great, one word critique:

"WHAT?!"

So eloquent, Mr. Kique. I wrte back and asked what he didn't understand about the column, and I would be more than happy to explain it to him.

Any other questions?

Not so Blue Sky

"Blue Sky" is the Allman Brothers Band song that is stuck in my head this morning, and I WANT IT OUT!! I don't want any Allman Bros. band song in my hand, since I am boycotting them!
A little background:

I was a HUGE Allman Bros. fan for many years. I had the anthology, a few of their albums, and knew every lineup from the 60's until now. I may not have agreed with their politics, but I LOVED the blues-based rock. Then something happened that made me angry.

They fired Dickey Betts.

So? You may ask. They fired one guy. Big whoop. You have to understand that Dickey Betts was the writer of "Ramblin' Man", one of their (if not THE) biggest hits. He also wrote some great jams, like "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" and "Pegasus". I even had a variation of the spelling of "Enlightened Rogues" (one of their best, but under appreciated albums) as a screen name for a while. He is arguably one of the best rock guitarists ever. On the same level as Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, Ted Nugent, and Jimi Hendrix. He gave them some of the greatest lyrics as well.

If he has just left, it would have been different. It wasn't amicable, and they won't have anything to do with him. So, I don't want anything to do with the Allmans any more. Until they bring Mr. Betts back.