I took yesterday off. I mean it. I did nothing productive all day. PT and I got together for lunch, as he had made a large pot of spaghetti. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit and visit.
I might go see the new Star Trek movie today. My buddy Don asked me a few days ago about going this afternoon, but I never committed. Also I was talking to another friend about playing golf this morning, but I don't think I am going to go play. I just feel like there is something else I need to get done, though I can't thin of what it could be.
The oldest son's birthday is tomorrow and he will turn 15. I meant to ask him where he would like to go for dinner this morning while taking him to school, but it slipped my mind.
Guess that is all I can think of this morning.
PeacE
Friday, May 17
Wednesday, May 15
Tired and Fuzzy-Headed
I feel like someone kicked me out of bed, onto my back, on a hard floor. No, it really didn't happen, but it sure feels like it. The back muscles are very much letting me know how much the workout yesterday is affecting them. To top it off, I am a bit fuzzy-headed because I feel so tired. I was up way past my regular bedtime reading The Warded Man by Peter V. Brett. It's seems to be getting pretty interesting, and I just started it yesterday morning.
It is Wednesday, so happy Hump Day.
Phoenix Comicon is coming up next weekend. Thursday through Sunday. I so want to go, but not sure if finances will allow the $60 entry. Though that would get me a weekend pass. And there is one book I want in particular, which is a special Con-only, shortened version of an anthology due out in June. It has 5 of the authors and their stories featured, and all five authors will be a t the Con, so I could get the book signed by all. I don't know what to do about it. Maybe I can talk the Wife into letting me go.
Being how it is just past 7am, I may be laying back down for a bit. After I take a couple aspirin.
PeacE
It is Wednesday, so happy Hump Day.
Phoenix Comicon is coming up next weekend. Thursday through Sunday. I so want to go, but not sure if finances will allow the $60 entry. Though that would get me a weekend pass. And there is one book I want in particular, which is a special Con-only, shortened version of an anthology due out in June. It has 5 of the authors and their stories featured, and all five authors will be a t the Con, so I could get the book signed by all. I don't know what to do about it. Maybe I can talk the Wife into letting me go.
Being how it is just past 7am, I may be laying back down for a bit. After I take a couple aspirin.
PeacE
Tuesday, May 14
Brought To You By The Word 'WHEW!'
I feel like I am still trying to catch my breath. Here it has been a good 15 minutes since I got home from the gym, my heart rate is still a bit elevated, even after a nice, hot shower. Last Thursday I had met PT up at the gym, as I had asked him about some more specific ideas for my chest. Got to work on getting rid of these man-boobs, plus build up the muscles there a bit. I am not looking for Schwarzenegger, just better than what I got, and something to help maybe burn a bit more fat in an area I need it more. Though, I do admit I got quite a bit pretty much everywhere that needs to be burnt off. I dropped a couple certain exercises I did off my "routine" and added a couple that PT had shown me. I can already feel where they worked a bit more of a group - or a different angle of the group - of muscles. It's that "good" kind of ache. Either way, I weighed in and was down two pounds from last week. I am still a pound from the lowest I had been, but I just need to concentrate and work harder to get there. I admit, the past couple weeks I have been getting lazy about it, again.
At the beginning of last summer, when the oldest son was preparing to leave Jr. High, we were notified from the H.S. that there would be a new band director that summer. The previous one had moved up into a more administrative position. After having known him for a few years (he was there for the Daughter's four years of band) it was nice to see him move up, and hope for some fresh new ideas from a new director. With marching band camp going on during the summer, and the son just starting H.S. we thought it would be good. By the end of the summer, we were already seeing problems. I say we, as in the Wife and I. I am not sure if it was just us, or if other parents were seeing what we were. The new director changed things here and there, regarding some time scheduling for practices, etc. It wasn't a major issue, as with me not working I was able to still get the son there, but the matter that 'what if' we weren't able to get him there. What if we hadn't seen the time changes through the website (which was not updated properly throughout the whole school year anyways). We both have our email addresses with the Band Parent organization, so why weren't we notified that way? Instead of changing things literally, a day before the scheduled event.
Anyway, most of the school year went by without too many complications. There was a couple concerts/events that they changed the complete date on and never notified anyone. We only heard about it as the son told us. The Band Parent emails slowed down after marching season, which is normal as there are not as many practices/events/shows that need to be attended. This spring brought the regular fund raiser event for the band. We were never notified - from the school, from the band parent emails, no one. They were selling this cookie dough stuff. For $20 you got this plastic brochure-sized card, with instructions about how to order the dough online, to have it shipped directly to you (you already paid the money for it). I actually liked the idea of it, as no deliveries were going to have to be made by us or the son. I guess he had these like maybe a week ( I didn't know about it, but the Wife did).
One Saturday morning, I get a text on my cellphone. It was early for a Saturday, around 7am. This text was from the band parent head person, saying that the kids were needed at the school by 8am to do door-to-door sales on the dough cards, as the money was due. The Wife and I already had plans for our family, and even our son had no prior knowledge of this thing. So we were a bit miffed that they would pull this stunt. Come Monday, the son goes to turn in his remaining unsold cards, and the money collected, but was informed from the band director that no cards were being accepted back, but each student had to sell them all or turn in the money only. WHAT?!? The son is told that the band had to purchase all the cards, thus, only money was being accepted back, and all cards had to be sold - no matter what.
This happened about 2-3 weeks ago. We had tried selling what we could to family, co-workers, and friends. They weren't going to get sold now unless we stuck the son out on a corner for the day. That is not going to happen. I dropped the son off yesterday morning, with the money and remaining cards, saying for him to tell his director, that this is the best he could do, and he had to take the cards back. If there was an issue, the band director could call and speak to me. This morning, I asked the son what happened. He said the director had said he was going to call me. It's only been one day, but I am waiting. Almost anxiously, so I can rip him a new asshole. Oh, did I mention the director took the money for the sold items, but said the son had to sell the remaining cards.
The Wife and I are more upset at the lack of communication he has provided this past school year. Add into that, the poor planning for things, last minute changes (to time schedules), and now this fundraiser stuff. I mean, you cannot lawfully enter into a financial agreement with a minor, which is what he is trying to do by making the kids responsible for only the money for the items not able to be sold. I know kids do fundraisers every year. Heck, I got three boys that have stuff every year. But if they don't sell, they don't sell. No one is required to pay 'X' amount of dollars just because their kid made zero sales.
I just get so ... exasperated ... with what this new band director is trying to do. I wait for him to call me. If I don't have a call by the end of this week, I will be contacting the school administration I think. Lord knows they don't want to deal with me.
And the thing that pisses me off the most? We have to pay money for our son to be in band. So we're paying for this grief. Yeah, I know. I could just have the son not be in band. That's not right, either.
Am I just not fully informed of the whole situation? Possibly. Have I done what I could to inquire about it? Maybe not as much as I could have done.
As I sit here thinking about the whole thing, I am beginning to have a few doubts run through my head. Most of them center around the son. This whole school year we have had some trust issues with him, and I wonder if it is going to come down to him not informing us of certain information. If that is the cause for this whole fiasco, I don't know what I am going to do.
Yeah, I know. The parenthood stick maybe be beating me to death soon.
PeacE
At the beginning of last summer, when the oldest son was preparing to leave Jr. High, we were notified from the H.S. that there would be a new band director that summer. The previous one had moved up into a more administrative position. After having known him for a few years (he was there for the Daughter's four years of band) it was nice to see him move up, and hope for some fresh new ideas from a new director. With marching band camp going on during the summer, and the son just starting H.S. we thought it would be good. By the end of the summer, we were already seeing problems. I say we, as in the Wife and I. I am not sure if it was just us, or if other parents were seeing what we were. The new director changed things here and there, regarding some time scheduling for practices, etc. It wasn't a major issue, as with me not working I was able to still get the son there, but the matter that 'what if' we weren't able to get him there. What if we hadn't seen the time changes through the website (which was not updated properly throughout the whole school year anyways). We both have our email addresses with the Band Parent organization, so why weren't we notified that way? Instead of changing things literally, a day before the scheduled event.
Anyway, most of the school year went by without too many complications. There was a couple concerts/events that they changed the complete date on and never notified anyone. We only heard about it as the son told us. The Band Parent emails slowed down after marching season, which is normal as there are not as many practices/events/shows that need to be attended. This spring brought the regular fund raiser event for the band. We were never notified - from the school, from the band parent emails, no one. They were selling this cookie dough stuff. For $20 you got this plastic brochure-sized card, with instructions about how to order the dough online, to have it shipped directly to you (you already paid the money for it). I actually liked the idea of it, as no deliveries were going to have to be made by us or the son. I guess he had these like maybe a week ( I didn't know about it, but the Wife did).
One Saturday morning, I get a text on my cellphone. It was early for a Saturday, around 7am. This text was from the band parent head person, saying that the kids were needed at the school by 8am to do door-to-door sales on the dough cards, as the money was due. The Wife and I already had plans for our family, and even our son had no prior knowledge of this thing. So we were a bit miffed that they would pull this stunt. Come Monday, the son goes to turn in his remaining unsold cards, and the money collected, but was informed from the band director that no cards were being accepted back, but each student had to sell them all or turn in the money only. WHAT?!? The son is told that the band had to purchase all the cards, thus, only money was being accepted back, and all cards had to be sold - no matter what.
This happened about 2-3 weeks ago. We had tried selling what we could to family, co-workers, and friends. They weren't going to get sold now unless we stuck the son out on a corner for the day. That is not going to happen. I dropped the son off yesterday morning, with the money and remaining cards, saying for him to tell his director, that this is the best he could do, and he had to take the cards back. If there was an issue, the band director could call and speak to me. This morning, I asked the son what happened. He said the director had said he was going to call me. It's only been one day, but I am waiting. Almost anxiously, so I can rip him a new asshole. Oh, did I mention the director took the money for the sold items, but said the son had to sell the remaining cards.
The Wife and I are more upset at the lack of communication he has provided this past school year. Add into that, the poor planning for things, last minute changes (to time schedules), and now this fundraiser stuff. I mean, you cannot lawfully enter into a financial agreement with a minor, which is what he is trying to do by making the kids responsible for only the money for the items not able to be sold. I know kids do fundraisers every year. Heck, I got three boys that have stuff every year. But if they don't sell, they don't sell. No one is required to pay 'X' amount of dollars just because their kid made zero sales.
I just get so ... exasperated ... with what this new band director is trying to do. I wait for him to call me. If I don't have a call by the end of this week, I will be contacting the school administration I think. Lord knows they don't want to deal with me.
And the thing that pisses me off the most? We have to pay money for our son to be in band. So we're paying for this grief. Yeah, I know. I could just have the son not be in band. That's not right, either.
Am I just not fully informed of the whole situation? Possibly. Have I done what I could to inquire about it? Maybe not as much as I could have done.
As I sit here thinking about the whole thing, I am beginning to have a few doubts run through my head. Most of them center around the son. This whole school year we have had some trust issues with him, and I wonder if it is going to come down to him not informing us of certain information. If that is the cause for this whole fiasco, I don't know what I am going to do.
Yeah, I know. The parenthood stick maybe be beating me to death soon.
PeacE
Sunday, May 12
A Few Thoughts on Books
Happy Mother's Day.
I just finished up Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie this morning, and loved yet another one of his books. I originally started reading his books with the First Law series (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings). Nice dark and grim reading in a fantasy environment of swords and wars. This one was a stand-alone novel, placed in the same land he created, with some of the secondary characters from the series. There are two other stand-alone novels like this as well I have yet to read.
Not that you care specifically what I may have read, or be reading, but I try to update my reading through Goodreads.com. Additionally, I try to do my best to write a review for the books I read, to help the author know about my reaction to their work. I am sure they appreciate it, and it is nice when every once in awhile, one (or someone on their staff) will write you back thanking you. Or even other people that read your review and mention it helped them decide to read the book, and they like it as much as I did. Social interaction for the closeted reader I guess.
To get more specific to my topic in mind, on Goodreads, I am able to "track" books that I am currently reading, want to read, read, etc. I noticed today that I have three books listed in my 'currently reading' area. It got me to thinking about how I read books, how some of those things have changed, and what I would like.
Book one is on my Kindle Fire. It is digital format (obviously) and I just started it this morning. This is my easiest way to read, or has been the past couple of years. I take my Kindle out with me a lot, and enjoy reading while having a few beers at the pub, or waiting for whatever appointment, etc. Aside from the reading material, I can also use it for notes and games, but that is another topic.
Book two is an author-signed copy, so it is a printed version. Soft cover, but not a pocket-sized paperback. It is her first book, and being a self-published author, there are several grammatical mistakes, but I am not here to nit-pick - that will be in the review. It is a genre I like, but of a sub-type I am not crazy about when reading. This book is on my headboard, and I only read it when I am laying down to relax prior to going to bed, or a nap.
The third book is a hard back. This one sits on the top of my dresser, which is near our master bathroom door, so that I can grab it on my way to the 'Reading Room'. Once done, on the way out, it gets returned to the dresser.
I like having the mobility of multiple books with my Kindle. I like having a physical book in my hands when in the Reading Room. The pre-sleep books can be either way (because I sometimes play games on the Kindle instead anyways). I will have to purchase physical books for bathroom purposes. there is just no way I want to somehow, some way, drop my electronics into the toilet.
And you, dear reader ... how do you like your books?
PeacE
I just finished up Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie this morning, and loved yet another one of his books. I originally started reading his books with the First Law series (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings). Nice dark and grim reading in a fantasy environment of swords and wars. This one was a stand-alone novel, placed in the same land he created, with some of the secondary characters from the series. There are two other stand-alone novels like this as well I have yet to read.
Not that you care specifically what I may have read, or be reading, but I try to update my reading through Goodreads.com. Additionally, I try to do my best to write a review for the books I read, to help the author know about my reaction to their work. I am sure they appreciate it, and it is nice when every once in awhile, one (or someone on their staff) will write you back thanking you. Or even other people that read your review and mention it helped them decide to read the book, and they like it as much as I did. Social interaction for the closeted reader I guess.
To get more specific to my topic in mind, on Goodreads, I am able to "track" books that I am currently reading, want to read, read, etc. I noticed today that I have three books listed in my 'currently reading' area. It got me to thinking about how I read books, how some of those things have changed, and what I would like.
Book one is on my Kindle Fire. It is digital format (obviously) and I just started it this morning. This is my easiest way to read, or has been the past couple of years. I take my Kindle out with me a lot, and enjoy reading while having a few beers at the pub, or waiting for whatever appointment, etc. Aside from the reading material, I can also use it for notes and games, but that is another topic.
Book two is an author-signed copy, so it is a printed version. Soft cover, but not a pocket-sized paperback. It is her first book, and being a self-published author, there are several grammatical mistakes, but I am not here to nit-pick - that will be in the review. It is a genre I like, but of a sub-type I am not crazy about when reading. This book is on my headboard, and I only read it when I am laying down to relax prior to going to bed, or a nap.
The third book is a hard back. This one sits on the top of my dresser, which is near our master bathroom door, so that I can grab it on my way to the 'Reading Room'. Once done, on the way out, it gets returned to the dresser.
I like having the mobility of multiple books with my Kindle. I like having a physical book in my hands when in the Reading Room. The pre-sleep books can be either way (because I sometimes play games on the Kindle instead anyways). I will have to purchase physical books for bathroom purposes. there is just no way I want to somehow, some way, drop my electronics into the toilet.
And you, dear reader ... how do you like your books?
PeacE
Friday, May 10
Dead Week in Posts
This seems to have been a sort of dead week for posts from me. Definitely lacking in anything interesting to share. Today is Friday, and yet another day I really don't have much to share.
The oldest son had his final band concert of the year last night. The middle son will have his later this month.
Yesterday morning I met up with PT to learn some other chest/back/shoulder exercises to do at the gym, to hopefully help burn up some more of this fat. I am seeing a difference even over the past couple of months, though I feel like I really haven't lost anything.
Well, Mother Nature is calling, so I am out of here.
PeacE
The oldest son had his final band concert of the year last night. The middle son will have his later this month.
Yesterday morning I met up with PT to learn some other chest/back/shoulder exercises to do at the gym, to hopefully help burn up some more of this fat. I am seeing a difference even over the past couple of months, though I feel like I really haven't lost anything.
Well, Mother Nature is calling, so I am out of here.
PeacE
Wednesday, May 8
Stuck in a Rut
How many of us get that feeling every now and then, of being stuck in a rut? We probably see it more in the job environment than most anywhere else, though, I am sure people at home feel that way, too, be it the same routine day in and day out, etc. It has been quite awhile since I have truly felt that way. But lately it has shown itself again. Mostly in regards to my weight.
I went to the gym this morning, though I am still feeling some muscle aching. I needed to do my weekly weigh-in, plus it wouldn't hurt to possibly workout those achy spots. I am the same weight I was last week, though I feel I have decreased my food intake (I thought) enough to make a little difference. I;m sad because this weight (same as last week) is still three pounds heavier than the week before that. I feel like I have plateaued at this mark, and fluctuate within 2-3 pounds heavy of it. Almost like it is in reach then, whoops! I add more weight.
I've mentioned this a couple times over the past couple months, specifically to Preacher Tom. He suggested more of a workout. Change the routine of my workout. He says the body gets used to a regular routine if you do the same thing all the time, and will quit burning as much to do it. Makes sense in a way. I have cut back on my portions when I eat. Well, most of the time. There are still times I may eat just a bit more, or have dessert. Like when we go to the buffet, which is not often. I just don't see the need to starve myself, by cutting portions down drastically, so that I walk around hungry all the time, though I don't mind a bit of hunger pains every now and then. I usually try to have some small, healthy snack when they get bad.
I think it is lifestyle changes that are making it worse at the moment. The past couple weeks or so, I haven't been drinking as much beer as I usually do. Because of that, I think that I am eating more, as before I would skip a meal or two if I were drinking, without feeling like I am starving. Yeah, there are a lot of calories in alcohol, but I seemed to still lose weight. Not drinking as much, means I eat more, thus no matter how much harder I feel I am working out, it isn't making a difference. Perfect alcoholic reasoning, huh? Sigh.
I'm sitting here, stomach grumbling, debating on what I should do. I guess I will have a granola bar.
PeacE
I went to the gym this morning, though I am still feeling some muscle aching. I needed to do my weekly weigh-in, plus it wouldn't hurt to possibly workout those achy spots. I am the same weight I was last week, though I feel I have decreased my food intake (I thought) enough to make a little difference. I;m sad because this weight (same as last week) is still three pounds heavier than the week before that. I feel like I have plateaued at this mark, and fluctuate within 2-3 pounds heavy of it. Almost like it is in reach then, whoops! I add more weight.
I've mentioned this a couple times over the past couple months, specifically to Preacher Tom. He suggested more of a workout. Change the routine of my workout. He says the body gets used to a regular routine if you do the same thing all the time, and will quit burning as much to do it. Makes sense in a way. I have cut back on my portions when I eat. Well, most of the time. There are still times I may eat just a bit more, or have dessert. Like when we go to the buffet, which is not often. I just don't see the need to starve myself, by cutting portions down drastically, so that I walk around hungry all the time, though I don't mind a bit of hunger pains every now and then. I usually try to have some small, healthy snack when they get bad.
I think it is lifestyle changes that are making it worse at the moment. The past couple weeks or so, I haven't been drinking as much beer as I usually do. Because of that, I think that I am eating more, as before I would skip a meal or two if I were drinking, without feeling like I am starving. Yeah, there are a lot of calories in alcohol, but I seemed to still lose weight. Not drinking as much, means I eat more, thus no matter how much harder I feel I am working out, it isn't making a difference. Perfect alcoholic reasoning, huh? Sigh.
I'm sitting here, stomach grumbling, debating on what I should do. I guess I will have a granola bar.
PeacE
Tuesday, May 7
Thought Gatherings
I am a bit muddle-headed this morning. I know, I made up the word, but it sort of fits. I have got thoughts jumping around like crazy of things I need to do, things I want to do, things that I will never do... It's confusing and flowing in such a confusing pattern. I think it was something the Wife put in the baked potato casserole she made last night, as half the night I was having some really weird dreams. This morning is maybe just a continuation of the residual effects.
I need to run up to the local pub to see if they dropped off new information for my pool league. I had hoped it would have been there this past Saturday, but no. So I need to run there and check this morning since we need to know where to play tomorrow night.
While out running around I have a few bags of actual books I am going to drop off at Savers. Yes, physical books. I have been finding them with all the spring cleaning going on. Normally I would have taken them to trade in for credit at a local used book store, but the only one I liked has gone out of business, so off to Savers. At least I can sort of claim a small value of it on my taxes as charity.
I fixed the shower head in the one bathroom yesterday. I found a good DIY site that explained how to get the broken threaded section removed from the pipe, and it worked like a charm! About $22 later I had a new pipe and shower head installed, and it isn't leaking. Now if we could figure how to get that damn tub to drain properly....
Everything is in a stop pattern as far as projects that can wait around here. Anxiously waiting our tax refund as the monies are already slotted for things. Wish it would get here so things could get somewhat back to normal with a working household, etc. In the meantime, I am still looking for work, too.
There's other thoughts running around in my head, to, but nothing I feel like sharing at the moment.
PeacE
I need to run up to the local pub to see if they dropped off new information for my pool league. I had hoped it would have been there this past Saturday, but no. So I need to run there and check this morning since we need to know where to play tomorrow night.
While out running around I have a few bags of actual books I am going to drop off at Savers. Yes, physical books. I have been finding them with all the spring cleaning going on. Normally I would have taken them to trade in for credit at a local used book store, but the only one I liked has gone out of business, so off to Savers. At least I can sort of claim a small value of it on my taxes as charity.
I fixed the shower head in the one bathroom yesterday. I found a good DIY site that explained how to get the broken threaded section removed from the pipe, and it worked like a charm! About $22 later I had a new pipe and shower head installed, and it isn't leaking. Now if we could figure how to get that damn tub to drain properly....
Everything is in a stop pattern as far as projects that can wait around here. Anxiously waiting our tax refund as the monies are already slotted for things. Wish it would get here so things could get somewhat back to normal with a working household, etc. In the meantime, I am still looking for work, too.
There's other thoughts running around in my head, to, but nothing I feel like sharing at the moment.
PeacE
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