In the past years, well, at least since I had graduated completely out of school, it seems society put some bigger emphasis on promoting out of the 8th grade. Sure, for many schools, it is not only the start of those 'named' high school years (freshman, etc), but many times it is changing physical location. It is the four years that determine your future, as GPAs are made, and colleges applied to for admissions. But many schools were calling this promotion form 8th grade, a Graduation. Sure in basic terms, I could see it being a sort of graduation. especially by the definition provided at Dictionary.com. It is progressing in grade levels; completing a "junior high school". But society made them into big ceremonies, where young teeny-boppers wore prom formals, all for nothing. Maybe because I heard more of that happening in AZ, that I am biased in thinking, it must be because most of the damn illegals out here can't go farther than 8th grade, because their English is so bad, or because that is when the parents make them start standing outside Home Depot to work, and help bring home money. I don't know.
Either way, my oldest son is moving on from 8th grade today. I love how the school is not calling it a graduation. In all the announcements, etc, I have seen, it is called a promotion celebration. I think that makes more sense. Anyone could have that as long as they passed the class(es). He will be a Freshman at the HS this fall. The Wife has today off, so she could attend the little ceremony they have at the school. I will be over sitting with FIL, so that MIL could attend today. She has been a big help with out kids, and their learning, since they were babes, that I thought she would like to go. With the Wife there, I know there will be lots of pictures, and after explaining to my son what OI wanted to do, he thought it would be good for Grandma to be there too. Of course, my parents will be attending as well.
Other than that, picking Stuman up from the airport tonight is all I have planned. I am hoping he brings back the bottle of green label Jack Daniels I asked for. I can't find that reserve brand anywhere out here.
PeacE
Friday, May 25
Thursday, May 24
Sometimes It Just All Comes Together
I was a bit worried yesterday. It all had to do with the pool team. I was anxious, more than worried, as it was the first night of league play, and I was not sure about one teammate. Another had called and said due to work, he was not going to make it. The person that said they would sub couldn't make it as well. So I am down one player already, and another that I couldn't even get in contact with. I am thinking that the first night was not going to be smooth.
While waiting for the games to begin, I finally was able to contact the one player, and found out he would be unable to play at all for the season. Now I am down two players for the night, plus needing to fill a spot. With a bit of help form my buddies, we were able to find a couple people interested in playing, or being another sub for the season. But no one was able to attend last night due to the short notice. Now I am down to just three players for the night, which is barely enough to not give a forfeit.
The other team never showed up. Yeah. We were the AWAY team, and the HOME bar didn't have a team show up. Not one person. So, we received all the wins for the night. I even was a good boy and was home by 9pm. When it just works out good like that, it's great!
Getting ready to head out to breakfast with Preacher Tom. Then I need to do some grocery shopping as one local market has some really good deals on pork chops and ground beef. Wife told me to 'get the limit' on them as we won't see prices like that for awhile. It will pretty much finish filling up the freezer space we have as well, and I am sure we will be sharing some of it with the In-Laws.
PeacE
While waiting for the games to begin, I finally was able to contact the one player, and found out he would be unable to play at all for the season. Now I am down two players for the night, plus needing to fill a spot. With a bit of help form my buddies, we were able to find a couple people interested in playing, or being another sub for the season. But no one was able to attend last night due to the short notice. Now I am down to just three players for the night, which is barely enough to not give a forfeit.
The other team never showed up. Yeah. We were the AWAY team, and the HOME bar didn't have a team show up. Not one person. So, we received all the wins for the night. I even was a good boy and was home by 9pm. When it just works out good like that, it's great!
Getting ready to head out to breakfast with Preacher Tom. Then I need to do some grocery shopping as one local market has some really good deals on pork chops and ground beef. Wife told me to 'get the limit' on them as we won't see prices like that for awhile. It will pretty much finish filling up the freezer space we have as well, and I am sure we will be sharing some of it with the In-Laws.
PeacE
Wednesday, May 23
Waiting For the Other Shoe to Drop
The last week and a half have been pretty good for my family. I feel that I (rather than We) have been finally able to get some things done that needed to be done. I got my eyeglasses. The Daughter got her car serviced (more here in a bit). School is ending out the year, and we have 2 boys having Promotion events. Sounds like the perfect American family thing, right? How bad is it going to be when reality catches back up?
Got the Daughter's car into the shop yesterday. I believe I previously mentioned, it had the check engine light on, and a mechanic friend a few months back got the code that it was catalytic converter related. The garage verified that issue. Good news that they let me know, is since it is a GM manufacture (Pontiac) the catalytic is covered under a 80,000/8 year warranty. She only has about 76K on it, so it is covered. They recommended that I call a GM dealer to have it taken there for the converter. Meanwhile, there were other items that needed to be addressed. Those included new plugs, PCV valve (a tune up basically), new serpentine belt, a power steering system flush (they said the fluid was black), and a couple smaller items that I just told them to do, because they could. Oh, and I told them to do an oil change, too. She got her car back last night and says it runs much better, and that the issues she had had seemed to be cleared up. She is going to have to contact a dealer in Tucson though to work in a time to get it in for the converter though. On a Wednesday, right before a 3-day holiday weekend, no way in Hell is a dealer here in town going to have time to order, receive, and replace the catalytic before she leaves on Monday (the holiday). She needs to learn to do that anyways.
With the oldest son's issues the past 3 weeks regarding homework, and the purposely lying to us to avoid it as much as possible, the Wife and I have not fully decided what to do. He was able to complete the missing assignments (final one was done the day they were due), so it appears he will not have any F's on his report card. He has a "celebration event" at the school tonight we are allowing him to attend, but he will not be able to attend his cousin's party on Friday. I am sure he will be upset about that.
I am captaining a team over the summer for a pool league. Pool as in billiards, not swimming. It has been about 8 years or more since I last played on a league, and am a bit rusty I am sure. I have dug out the case that has my stick, and gathered the miscellaneous deitrus that goes with, and have it all ready for tonight. It is a 5-man team, and I am having issues with one player that I can't seem to get in contact with as of today. Luckily, one of my friends on the team knows this guy and aid he would touch base with him today. Seems like I am sucking already at being a captain.
It's almost noon. I suppose I should try to get some other things done, rather than sit here to entertain you.
PeacE
Got the Daughter's car into the shop yesterday. I believe I previously mentioned, it had the check engine light on, and a mechanic friend a few months back got the code that it was catalytic converter related. The garage verified that issue. Good news that they let me know, is since it is a GM manufacture (Pontiac) the catalytic is covered under a 80,000/8 year warranty. She only has about 76K on it, so it is covered. They recommended that I call a GM dealer to have it taken there for the converter. Meanwhile, there were other items that needed to be addressed. Those included new plugs, PCV valve (a tune up basically), new serpentine belt, a power steering system flush (they said the fluid was black), and a couple smaller items that I just told them to do, because they could. Oh, and I told them to do an oil change, too. She got her car back last night and says it runs much better, and that the issues she had had seemed to be cleared up. She is going to have to contact a dealer in Tucson though to work in a time to get it in for the converter though. On a Wednesday, right before a 3-day holiday weekend, no way in Hell is a dealer here in town going to have time to order, receive, and replace the catalytic before she leaves on Monday (the holiday). She needs to learn to do that anyways.
With the oldest son's issues the past 3 weeks regarding homework, and the purposely lying to us to avoid it as much as possible, the Wife and I have not fully decided what to do. He was able to complete the missing assignments (final one was done the day they were due), so it appears he will not have any F's on his report card. He has a "celebration event" at the school tonight we are allowing him to attend, but he will not be able to attend his cousin's party on Friday. I am sure he will be upset about that.
I am captaining a team over the summer for a pool league. Pool as in billiards, not swimming. It has been about 8 years or more since I last played on a league, and am a bit rusty I am sure. I have dug out the case that has my stick, and gathered the miscellaneous deitrus that goes with, and have it all ready for tonight. It is a 5-man team, and I am having issues with one player that I can't seem to get in contact with as of today. Luckily, one of my friends on the team knows this guy and aid he would touch base with him today. Seems like I am sucking already at being a captain.
It's almost noon. I suppose I should try to get some other things done, rather than sit here to entertain you.
PeacE
Tuesday, May 22
Another One Bites the Dust
I am not pleased this morning. Not only did the dog wake me up an hour and a half early, chewing up some stuff, but I found out another friend has passed away. I think that makes like four over the past year, that I have had to see pass away, in my eyes, before they should have. I know in all instances, health was a factor, and age did not help. I guess I should start finding younger friends, instead of the ones 10+ year solder than me. Then again, at 40, I don't know how possible that would be - to have younger friends.
I think what makes me a bit more upset, at find out out my friend had passed last Friday, is that I had to read about it on a post on Facebook. Granted, my friend's family probably did not know me - or well enough to have my contact info, or know how well we were friends - to just randomly call me from his contact list to inform me about his death. But I don't know. There were enough of our friends to let me know, but no one did. I'm just kind of pissed off about it I guess.
So my Tuesday starts out a bit bummed. We are taking the daughter's car in to the shop to be looked at today. She says it is "running rougher than normal" and the previous problem of a possible catalytic convertor issue will be looked at. I am hoping maybe just a tune-up rather than that. They were saying it would $800-$1200 if it is the catalytic. Please be something simple and cheap for once!!! Afterwards, I need to do some chores (dishes, run to the bank) all following sitting with FIL so MIL can get some shopping done. This week is pretty clear after that, until Friday when I need to pick up Stuman when he flies back in from Ky.
Tommy, my friend, you will be sorely missed.
PeacE
I think what makes me a bit more upset, at find out out my friend had passed last Friday, is that I had to read about it on a post on Facebook. Granted, my friend's family probably did not know me - or well enough to have my contact info, or know how well we were friends - to just randomly call me from his contact list to inform me about his death. But I don't know. There were enough of our friends to let me know, but no one did. I'm just kind of pissed off about it I guess.
So my Tuesday starts out a bit bummed. We are taking the daughter's car in to the shop to be looked at today. She says it is "running rougher than normal" and the previous problem of a possible catalytic convertor issue will be looked at. I am hoping maybe just a tune-up rather than that. They were saying it would $800-$1200 if it is the catalytic. Please be something simple and cheap for once!!! Afterwards, I need to do some chores (dishes, run to the bank) all following sitting with FIL so MIL can get some shopping done. This week is pretty clear after that, until Friday when I need to pick up Stuman when he flies back in from Ky.
Tommy, my friend, you will be sorely missed.
PeacE
Monday, May 21
Getting Riled up
The other reader here at B&B, Spockgirl (from Spockgirl Musings) sent me a picture. She had designed it based on some recent things going on here at the Ralphd00d Palace, and quite frankly, I think it is it pretty damn cute!
I think the beer in hand is the best part....
In her note to me, Spockgirl mentioned that she, like myself, is struggling on, trying to write something of the elusive 'substance'. I don't know why, but it got me a bit riled up. Which is good in the sense that it gives me something to write about today. So a good h/t to SG!
I know for quite some time, my drivel here is ... well, drivel. I suppose it is more of a journal or diary, than some money-driven, expert-advice, see my journalistic experience and professionalism - type blog. I don't write about one subject and all of its wonders and things. I don't reach a crowd of millions, because I am famous. I tweet, but few and far between, and I am sure no one that reads here follows my tweets and Facebook (well, FB I know some of you do).
I guess what I am leading up to is 'canned posts'. I know some other bloggers use them. Some more than others, and some are just good enough, you can't tell if they do use them or not, let alone when. I have not ever used one. Yes, I have put up posts that were from a file - like some old ones where I was "writing" more and put in some excerpt of a short story I was working on. I don't like canned posts. When I started this blog (wow, going on like 6 years at this address) it was to work on doing a daily post of some sort, and to exercise my writing skill(s). As you can see, my skills seemingly have not improved, but my griping has. I know some family members read here to find out how things are going with my family, and that's fine. I even refrain from bitching about yours just because I don't want to deal with your shit, too. In fact, on a side note, I have another blog I do that on, but it is in no way connected to this one, or to me in anyway you will find.
The rest of you that read here, well, it's down to one of two reasons I think. First, you are out searching for some weird kind of porn, or looking for some boob pics. I have been a bit lax about posting any of them of late (the boob pics). When the Reverend Mother reads here, some times I feel a bit guilty about posting them. Yeah I really do. There RM, you scored some points there. The rest of you, probably just read here to hear how bad I have it (bad compared to maybe your life). I wouldn't believe anyone reads my stuff tyo actually learn anything..... not that what I botch about is really learning anyways.
Well.... hell. I guess that's all my ramblin' on will get ya today.
PeacE
I think the beer in hand is the best part....
In her note to me, Spockgirl mentioned that she, like myself, is struggling on, trying to write something of the elusive 'substance'. I don't know why, but it got me a bit riled up. Which is good in the sense that it gives me something to write about today. So a good h/t to SG!
I know for quite some time, my drivel here is ... well, drivel. I suppose it is more of a journal or diary, than some money-driven, expert-advice, see my journalistic experience and professionalism - type blog. I don't write about one subject and all of its wonders and things. I don't reach a crowd of millions, because I am famous. I tweet, but few and far between, and I am sure no one that reads here follows my tweets and Facebook (well, FB I know some of you do).
I guess what I am leading up to is 'canned posts'. I know some other bloggers use them. Some more than others, and some are just good enough, you can't tell if they do use them or not, let alone when. I have not ever used one. Yes, I have put up posts that were from a file - like some old ones where I was "writing" more and put in some excerpt of a short story I was working on. I don't like canned posts. When I started this blog (wow, going on like 6 years at this address) it was to work on doing a daily post of some sort, and to exercise my writing skill(s). As you can see, my skills seemingly have not improved, but my griping has. I know some family members read here to find out how things are going with my family, and that's fine. I even refrain from bitching about yours just because I don't want to deal with your shit, too. In fact, on a side note, I have another blog I do that on, but it is in no way connected to this one, or to me in anyway you will find.
The rest of you that read here, well, it's down to one of two reasons I think. First, you are out searching for some weird kind of porn, or looking for some boob pics. I have been a bit lax about posting any of them of late (the boob pics). When the Reverend Mother reads here, some times I feel a bit guilty about posting them. Yeah I really do. There RM, you scored some points there. The rest of you, probably just read here to hear how bad I have it (bad compared to maybe your life). I wouldn't believe anyone reads my stuff tyo actually learn anything..... not that what I botch about is really learning anyways.
Well.... hell. I guess that's all my ramblin' on will get ya today.
PeacE
Friday, May 18
Last of the 90's
The oldest son is 14 years old today. Aside from the fact he is very nearly taller than I (I'm 5'10") he is the the born in the 1900's. We are planning to go out to dinner tonight to celebrate, but he has not decided on a place yet.
The Daughter made it in to town last night, and will be here through the next week. This is her one week break from school, which will then go through September before her next break.
Posting this week has been lax. I feel as if I have nothing to write about, though, in theory I could just pick a topic and pound out some resemblance to something. I can't do that. Or rather, I try not to. I hate writing something out, that makes me appear misinformed on a subject. Even if it is nothing but an opinion.
Headed out shortly to do some errands.
PeacE
The Daughter made it in to town last night, and will be here through the next week. This is her one week break from school, which will then go through September before her next break.
Posting this week has been lax. I feel as if I have nothing to write about, though, in theory I could just pick a topic and pound out some resemblance to something. I can't do that. Or rather, I try not to. I hate writing something out, that makes me appear misinformed on a subject. Even if it is nothing but an opinion.
Headed out shortly to do some errands.
PeacE
Tuesday, May 15
Kill The Dog
Yesterday ended up being one of those days where it just pisses you off. Started off great... was getting things done left and right, no probs... I even set up an eye exam appointment for like 3:30 (my first one in 4 years). No worries. I even went like an hour early because I got tired of sitting at home. It was in the mall, so I figured I could 'walk the mall', which I did do. They were able to get me in 30 min early, nice. That the "whole appointment" took 2 hours to complete....GRRRR!!!
I kid you not.... two hours, for a typical 30 minute exam. It was, do the prelims, wait 15-30 minutes, do the eye adjustment thingy, wait 15-30 minutes. Dilute the eyes, wait another 30 minutes. Oh, the doctor forgot you were waiting for her to go over the retinal picture results with you.... THEN I had to wait another hour for them to complete the lens for the glasses, which I am now wearing. Waste of an afternoon. Total time at the mall: FOUR hours. I needed a beer after that, and then a friend showed up at the bar, and next thing I know it is 2am, and ....oh geez, I am tired this morning.
I think the 3-yard chase is not helping me being tired. Daisy (our Chihuahua-Daschound mix) scheduled for an 8am appointment for her yearly shots/vaccs. I also am getting her spayed. The vet is only like 5-10 minutes away, so at like 10 min til 8, I leashed her, and went to head out. I don't know who, or how, but her collar was loose enough she ended up slipping out of it, and I had to chase her across three yards before cornering her. I was not happy when we got to the vet, but will admit we were still on time. Her check-up went fine, and I gladly left her there to be cut open. I asked about the odds she would die while they are doing the procedure, and the vet looked at me funny. I explained about the chase scene this morning, and she laughed. Glad someone thought it was funny.
I am headed to the MIL's this morning. Maybe I can catch a nap while she is out shopping, as long as FIL doesn't decide to fall down. I am just tired. Thinking a nap when I get back home.
PeacE
I kid you not.... two hours, for a typical 30 minute exam. It was, do the prelims, wait 15-30 minutes, do the eye adjustment thingy, wait 15-30 minutes. Dilute the eyes, wait another 30 minutes. Oh, the doctor forgot you were waiting for her to go over the retinal picture results with you.... THEN I had to wait another hour for them to complete the lens for the glasses, which I am now wearing. Waste of an afternoon. Total time at the mall: FOUR hours. I needed a beer after that, and then a friend showed up at the bar, and next thing I know it is 2am, and ....oh geez, I am tired this morning.
I think the 3-yard chase is not helping me being tired. Daisy (our Chihuahua-Daschound mix) scheduled for an 8am appointment for her yearly shots/vaccs. I also am getting her spayed. The vet is only like 5-10 minutes away, so at like 10 min til 8, I leashed her, and went to head out. I don't know who, or how, but her collar was loose enough she ended up slipping out of it, and I had to chase her across three yards before cornering her. I was not happy when we got to the vet, but will admit we were still on time. Her check-up went fine, and I gladly left her there to be cut open. I asked about the odds she would die while they are doing the procedure, and the vet looked at me funny. I explained about the chase scene this morning, and she laughed. Glad someone thought it was funny.
I am headed to the MIL's this morning. Maybe I can catch a nap while she is out shopping, as long as FIL doesn't decide to fall down. I am just tired. Thinking a nap when I get back home.
PeacE
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