Getting Some Treats

Blah, blah Halloween, blah, blah. The only thing I like about Halloween, is candy corn goes on sale the week after. Gotta love the sugar. My youngest two boys are dressing up this year, and the Wife is planning on taking them to the Grandparents', some local churches for the trunk n' treats, and maybe a family friend or two - though I have no idea whom. Me, well, I have my pool league, so I don't get to go around. Good thing RM always makes me a bag of goodies, which she will send home with the Wife tonight I am sure.

I get a little bit of a treat though. I get to go have beer.

PeacE

I Thought It Was Over

The fat lady sang. At least I thought she had. The Tuesday night practices that the oldest son has had since the beginning of marching season, had come to a close, since they did not make it to the state championships.  But I found out this morning (last minute as always) that no, he still has it tonight. Which makes some sense since the school football team made it to the first round of playoffs, and they are still performing. Then I find out, that he has another performance yet this Saturday as well. Seems one of the local Community Colleges has asked the HS to perform for their halftime at their football game. Is this shit ever ending this year? I am getting tired of the extra running to practices and all.

So, that started out my Tuesday like a Monday morning. Though, I will admit at least I don't leave on the upper East Coast. That's some nasty shit going on there... all the way in to Cleveland, OH, I heard... .65 mph winds there as of this morning. Geez, Louise!

I got nothing else for you word greedy fiends (I left out the 'r' on purpose!)

PeacE

It's Not Over Yet

The Son's marching band only placed a "Good" rating on Saturday, though the percussion line received a Caption Award. This means they will not be attending the State Marching Competition that starts this Saturday. I am a bit glad, as it would mean traveling to the other side of the valley (literally) at about an hour plus drive one way. Though they did not make State, there are still some marching events going on he needs to attend before they turn in the uniforms and begin the concert band part of the year. Tonight they are participating in the HS district performance (all HS in district perform their shows). Also, since the football team made the first round for playoffs, they also will be performing Friday night at that game, though I amnot going as it, too, is across the valley and an hour away. Depending on how the football team does, will decide if they perform any more dates/events. Too bad the zero hour doesn't end with marching season. But now I am free to go to the Nascar race on the 10th & 11th with not being guilty of not going to see the son perfomr at State.

Yesterday was a decent day. I played softball at 8, and by 8:20 had pulled a muscle on the back of my thigh. So I am limping around now. Made it up to watch the Redskins game and had an old friend show up that we had not seen in quite awhile, and ended up talking for about half the game. Didn't matter much, as they sucked and lost anyways. Had plans to go up to watch MNF, but forgot the son had a performance, so I will probably end up staying home with the two younger boys so the Wife can go. I would go, but with my leg, I can't see me walking that far, and sitting on the concrete bleacher/stands would not be comfortable.

PeacE

This Blows

There has to be a reason somewhere in the Book of Reasons, why I feel like crap today. Yesterday started out just fine. Woke up, shut off the CPAP machine, started my morning routine with the little bit of stuffed up nose/watery eyes thing. I get that regularly. It's likes, they are adjusting to not being on the CPAP, and usually after about 30-45 minutes, it clears up and life goes on. Yesterday it didn't. In fact, it proceeded to just run constantly all day. Last night, as I put on my mask and prepared to drift to slumber, it actually cleared up somewhat - until this morning.

I had planned on being up early this morning, to head to the pub to help adjust/move tables for our big group getting there for football today. I was planning on 5:30. For some reason, my body though 4:30. So I went ahead and shut of my CPAP, and tried to lay there and cat-nap until the alarm went off. No such luck. One side of my nose is CLOGGED, and the other felt like it was starting to back up pretty good as well. I went ahead and got up, tried blowing my nose to no avail. In fact, checking the snot I blew, it is starting to have that yucky yellow color, which is a good sign of a sinus infection starting. Here nearly 45 minutes later, the eyes are watering, the nose still clogged and running.... at least I am not sneezing 17 times in 20 seconds like I seemed to do most of the day yesterday. I think I am getting sick.

So, playing softball this morning is out for me. I'm still going to the pub though, as maybe the alcohol will kill the germs. Plus, I deserve it for being the wonderful husband I was and letting the Wife go have girl time for 3/4 the day yesterday.

PeacE

Weekend Plans

It is a typical Saturday morning at my house. Shortly after 8am, I have been up for about an hour, and the middle son has been up almost half that. We are the early risers at the d00d homestead. My guess is I get up early, as I go to bed pretty much before everyone else, on most nights, so I get the most sleep and feel more rested when daybreak hits. The middle son, I don't know why, but half the time he is up even before I. The oldest soon was just roused (yes I woke him early) so he can get started with his breakfast, then I plan on putting him to work around the house before he needs to leave for this year's last marching band competition.  
A friend of the Wife's is driving up north to Flagstaff, where the event is held, as her daughter is in it as well. They will be riding up together, meaning I am stuck here at home with the younger boys until late night.

Tomorrow is my regular Church of Holy Beer and Softball. We are supposed to play at 8 and 10, but I will be only at the 8am game. As pretty much the only organizer of the Stingers Redskins Club, I need to be over at the pub to get tables set up and reserved for the Redskins/Steelers game at 10 (our time). We are looking to having the biggest turnout yet for the game, and hopefully they will continue to come up to watch the games through the rest of the season.

That's about all I got for today.

PeacE

HE Did NOT Just Do That ....

The oldest son is a freshman in high school. He's 14 years old. Like many teenagers, he doesn't care much for school. Well, let me correct that. He doesn't care much for school academics. I am sure he likes Band, Theater, and Drama classes. I'm pretty sure he likes the girls, too.

Anyway, he had been in the advanced classes in junior high, and automatically, they put him in the advanced class program in high school. He did not want to be in the advanced classes, as the homework was "harder", but the Wife and I knew he was capable of doing the work, so we did not remove him from them. Within the first two weeks of school, he had been dropped from the advanced English class to regular, as he never bothered to inform us he was to have read a certain novel over the summer and be prepared to discuss it, etc. the first of school. Okay, we were not happy about it, but fine. So now he will be in the regular English curriculum. Then we found out he wasn't turning in work for the Honors Bio or Honors Alg classes. Needless to say, shit hit the fan.

As a parent, I want my children to excel. I want them to push themselves to the boundaries of what they can do. But I understand teenagers can sometimes be lazy, and that was exactly what was going on. He didn't want the advanced classes, so by not doing the work, he was hoping we would drop him out of them. Wrong. The Wife and I decided that the only thing we could do at this point, short of holding his hand everyday, in every class, was to have be accountable. I made up an assignment log, for him to list the daily homework, due date, etc. for the classes there were issues in. I also contacted those teachers, and explained he was to have them initialize each day, to confirm that he had the correct homework assignment and due date written down. He started off on this grudgingly, and for the first several days, he was only getting the initials of one teacher, but finally he seemed to get it in his head that things were not going to get better until he complied. There were other repercussions as well. Grounded from the computer (for entertainment - he could still type up papers), no social activities (going out with friends, etc) were among the main ones.

After a few weeks of doing the log, and his missing assignments completed (many for 0 points) he seemed to have things back on track. Then he stopped getting the teachers to sign it. Every couple days I would ask to see the log, and finally told him, each week it is not done, adds another week of being grounded. Give me two weeks with it signed by all teachers every day, and I would stop making him complete it, as long as his grades stayed up where they needed to be, and he didn't start having missing assignments. After a couple weeks of him of doing that, I changed it to each day he doesn't have it signed is a week. Needless to say, as of right now I think he is grounded through Easter.

Tough taskmaster? Maybe. Bad parent? I don't think so. I mentioned the Wife, and RM the other day, that if had half a brain, he would have a friends do some initials of the teachers in different inks. I know I would have not have questioned it at all, as the only way I would have of verifying it is to talk to the teachers everyday. He hasn't though of doing this yet evidently.

I don't know what to do about his failure to comply to the instructions of his being in trouble. If he would just complete it, he could get the limitations/restrictions lifted. The Wife and I had been talking the past few days about what are we to do about the situation, but had not come to any solution as of yet. Then there was this morning.....

As usual, the Wife went to wake the son up, so he would have time for breakfast and to get ready for school. Today is another day of zero hour, where I take him early. As she opens the door to wake him, she sees a light coming from his bed area. Seems he had brought in his brother's laptop computer last night, and after lights out, had used it for internet access, and who knows what games, etc. Then he lied to his mother, stating first that the computer was in the hallway just laying there (it was put up in it's case, and NOT in the hall) so he brought it into his room to make sure it was still working. Then he said there was a warning that hap popped up and he was looking on the internet to find out what the warning was for (according to the Wife, the warning is something about to expire in 10 days). Either way, he had fallen asleep with it on, and that was how he got caught.

He was lucky I had already taken him to school. I was livid. Now I am just sort of broiling, since I can't do anything until tomorrow basically. He is staying after school as he has an early call time for band tonight (the last football game). Tomorrow he has their last competition (unless they make State) so I won't be able to really get into the whole thing then. Maybe it will have the effect of cooling off my temper, though I am sure there will be plenty of it there when we get around to talking about this. Gives me time as well, to work out with the Wife about what ADDITIONAL punishment is going to happen.

I wonder how long he has been sneaking the laptop in his room at night. Right now I am more angry, but I am starting to feel some disgust at how he has pushed things this far, and now will have to face what may be the severest punishments we have ever had to give out....even if I don't have a clue as to what it is, or how many, how long, to what extent.

Welcome to my weekend.

PeacE

Kill 17 People Today

You might be seeing me in the Nation's headlines tomorrow, because that was the first thought in my mind today when I first became aware upon awakening today. I'm going to kill 17 people today.

Why did it stand out in my head? I have no clue. I been up now for about two hours, and that count now has dropped to 15, by my count.

I never said kill, as in being dead. Maybe 'shot down' would be a better term. I don't know, but that is how I am counting it. Two hours, two down. Kind of makes me wonder where the rest of my day is going.

Last night was my pool league, and once we were done, the rest of the guys headed out, to home I presume.    A friend I had not seen in awhile had texted me, so I went to another bar to meet up with him. Next thing I knew, I was walking in the door at like 3:30am'ish and ..sigh. Yeah. Up again about 5:30 to take the oldest boy to school. Bonus was, that being Thursday, it is the "specials" day for a couple groceries near us, so I checked with the Wife and after dropping the son off, was able to be the first one to get today's specials.

I think that was the first 'kill'. Supposed to have some pork country style pork ribs for $.79/lb and looking over all the pork product, I ended up arguing with the meat person, until they got someone that spoke English. The only packages they had were marked $1.69/lb which I pointed out. 'Oh, they will adjust it at the register' he says. I pick up my valu-pak limit of 2, and do some other shopping. At the checkout, I missed her ringing them up (I was loading the cart with other bags) so I as usual was checking my receipt on the way out. Whoops! Pulled a 360 and went back in. They didn't adjust the pricing. I politely gave hell to the "help" desk, and after 15 minutes of me pointing at the AD, and at the price on the meat, I think the spanish-speaking pendejo finally realized I was saying they over charged me. Kill number two. And I got $9.96 back from their overcharge.

Next, I headed to the other grocery near us, as they had a couple good deals on meat that the Wife pointed out would be good for me to pick up, since I was going out. I walk up to the door, checking the hours, as there was no usual morning crowd. I thought I might be too early (it was like 7:15). Posted new store hours said a sign, open at 7am, so I am like, cool. I go to grab a cart from outside, and realize, there are no carts outside. I thought, WTF. I walk in, see the carts there by the door, and go to grab one, but then look around. The store is EMPTY. Not just of people, but aisles were EMPTY. I glance down the main row, and see the meat dept is completely papered off. I walk up to the register person, and the manager who is standing next to her, and ask, 'Are you closing?'

'Yes," the manager says. 'We are only open until Friday.'
'With, what?!? the only one partial aisle I see of paper goods?' I ask.
'Whatever is left in stock before Friday,' he says.

I count that as kill number two. I know I would have rather used a 12 gauge, but the look I gave was probably good enough. In what I thought was his dying breath, he mentioned the next closest location of this food store chain (which was further than I wanted to go) and I politely told him 'Well, fuck you.' Yes, I know my English is so elegant. What can I say, two hours of sleep and I am no ambassador.

I called the Wife, told her about us missing out on the other deals and the reason. She was surprised, too, and no one had heard about this store closing. I promptly came home and fridged the meat I had already bought. Then sat her in front of the computer to contemplate what to share with you today. It's just after 8am, and there are still 15 targets left for me today. I feel sorry for any fucker that calls, knocks on the door, or just gets my dander up reading a facebook status the wrong way.

You're lucky I don't see you reading this. But, HEY! Glad ya stopped by!

PeacE

Random Blahs

The Wife and I did the Parent/Teacher thing last night for our two youngest. Sometimes I wonder why we waste our time going to them, since we get the same report (or have at least) since the first two were there. Grades are good, well behaved, wish more were like them. For parent, I guess that makes us feel good that we are raising our kids to be all that in public, I guess. When I was growing up, it was expected and required. It seems it is when they get older though, that is when the problems come around.

It's Wednesday, and as many of you know, basically is considered the half-way point of the week. And since I do things so half-assed around here, I basically have nothing going on so nothing to write about. So, today, for space filling, I'm just throwing out random things. As if you other bloggers don't do this from time to time - where do you think I got the idea?

The Wife's, Aunt's husband passed away yesterday. They were married the end of August this year, he fell ill, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer about a month ago. Never knew he had it. Stage 4 = inoperable. That sucks. Married about 2 months and he's dead. Wonder if they had time to set up the life insurance policy.

Social Media is starting to piss me off. Facebook in particular. The past few months have been getting worse with the political rantings of seemingly everyone I connect with. If they aren't ranting about the other party lying, it's them trying to post facts about what is good about their candidate. I can "hide" the posts, but I would have to read each one, then hide it, or just hide ALL their posts (not just the political ones). I already voted people! Leave me alone! Nothing more I can do to change my feelings until the next election!

My pool league is tonight, and boy, do we suck. Got the score updates from the organizer this past weekend... seems we are in last place by about 33 games, with only about 12 weeks to go. Not a chance of getting out of that hole. I suck as a captain I guess. Oh well, I am sure I am not going to lose any sleep over it.

Welp, that's all I got for now. Mother Nature is calling me to the reading room.

PeacE

Things to Look Forward To

Tuesday is here again, and beside the usual sitting with the FIL twice today, the other thing that is a guarantee at this time of year is the oldest son's Tuesday night band practices from like 5-9pm. They are a bit of a pain in the ass. I have to sit around and wait for him to get out of school, then turn around like an hour later and take him back. It's stupid. And then pick him up later on in the evening, at such a time that right when you get busy doing something, I have to stop. I hate doing it. The good part is, that tonight might be the last one for the year. This Saturday is the last competition (from what I have seen of the schedule) and if they don't receive an "Excellent" rating, then they will not be attending the state competition. So no more Tuesday night practices would be needed. I got mixed feelings about it all. Want them to do well, but at the same time, be less of an inconvenience to me.

Sooooo.... as I said I have to attend to the FIL twice today. The usual time in the afternoon, plus this morning is the weekly shopping trip. Why the MIL cannot buy enough groceries for two weeks is beyond me. I could see maybe a quick trip out for special one week only sales, but otherwise, this is a pain in my ass that isn't going away soon. I am getting so tired of doing it. I can't plan on doing anything different though, otherwise my guilt perks up, and then I feel bad because she will call someone in another town to come here just for them to sit there while she does her thing. It's all so fucked up.

Hell, that's my life at times.

PeacE

It Got Broke

Sometimes I get myself involved in stuff I shouldn't. I just can't help myself. I think the beer doesn't help any either. Several weeks ago (like before football season started) a couple buddies and I were talking and playing pool, when the idea came up about getting together a little group and have like a Redskins Club. The three of us are Redskins fans, so for shits and giggles I went along with their idea. The beer told me to. So one was appointed President, myself as VP, and the third as Treasurer. No biggee, but now, weeks later, it is turning into something bigger. Stingers, the bar that sponsors not only our pool team, but our softball team as well (and happens to be my local hangout pretty much) gave us the okay to promote the bar as a Redskins bar. To that end, the past few Sundays have gotten more and more fans up to watch the games, with this week being our biggest so far with about 20 people. I am not saying in the whole bar, but there specifically due to our group. Our Treasurer is working on designing a business card for us (he is in the printing industry), and I have been given the duty of marketing/promotion basically. Yeah, maybe I bit off more than I should have. I was beat yesterday after getting everything together for yesterday, and already I hearing rumors next weeks group is going to be bigger. Ay yi yi.

So what is broke? Oh, my silverware drawer from the kitchen. Our house is an old one. I think the build date is like 1962, or there-abouts. Most of the building is original still, though a previous owner had added on the family room at the back prior to us. Either way, the silverware drawer seems to get the most action in the kitchen, as you can figure, and over the past 12 years, it has had some pretty hard knocks, let alone the lifetime before us. Either way, we have done our best to piece it back together after each incident of falling apart. Last night was no exception, except the wood broke along the groove cut, where the pressboard bottom slides in on the side piece. I know the MIL has some wood glue, so I will be doing that later today, followed up by doing some light carpentry work once it has had time to set good.

Monday is here, and I seem to be feeling it this morning. I am off to have a pity party.

PeacE

Flipping the Coin

I completed my election ballot and put it in the mail this morning. Usually, this job would require me spending a few hours reading through the materials, the pro/con arguments, and other miscellaneous readings online, all in order that I felt I was making an "informed" decision. I didn't want to take the the time this year. For all the propositions AZ had, I read through the basic 'yes means this, no means that' descriptions, read a few of the letters written for, and a few against, then made a choice. One of those 'gut feelings' type of choices, instead of wasting other time reading repeats of the basics. Was it the best way to handle making my selections? Maybe not, but either way I still feel comfortable about the ones I made. It was better than flipping a coin.

Honestly, the best part about sending int he ballot, is that I know in a short time, I won't have to hear/read/see the political rants/opinions that everyone seems to have, or at least expressing to help "convert" the people that can't make up their minds. I am so sick of it all right now.

Sleep left me a bit earlier than usual this morning. I tried to find it again, but wasn't able to in the 45 minutes before I really needed to get up. Now I am feeling a bit tired, like I need a nap. I hope I can shake that feeling before much longer. I would rather not be taking a nap, though, I really don't have much planned, so therefore have the time to take one....

It's Friday people! Get out and have some fun!

PeacE

It's Debatable

Last night was the third debate that will be taking place this election year. I did not watch it. I felt there was no need to, as seemingly everyone was posting things during the debate on Facebook all evening. This morning they continue with pictures and other propaganda, putting down whoever they don't like, and trying to show the facts for whom they will be voting for in just a short few weeks. Frankly, I am tired of it all. I have my mail-in ballot sitting here next to me, and plan on spending some time today reading through the props we have for AZ to vote on. Not my idea of fun, but I don't want to flip a coin to vote yes/no on them.

Other than that, it feels like Monday waited until today to show up. Last night I found out I needed to change some of my plans for this morning, in order to make sure everyone got to school on time. Added to that I get notified that one of the guys on my pool team won't be able to make it tonight (for the third week in a row) so I am in the process of trying to find a sub for him at the last minute (again). I am starting to really dislike being the Captain of the team. Thank goodness the season ends here in a couple months.

Parent/Teacher conference time is coming up. Already we have times scheduled nest week for the two younger boys. I have a feeling that the oldest will not be telling us when the HS ones are, so I will be needing to find out the dates for that. I know I will be going to talk to at least three of his teachers, and I plan on bringing him along so he can hear what we discuss. I am hoping that will help clear up issues in those classes that are happening.

I am off to try to get some things done that need to get done.

PeacE

I Forgot ....

I truly dislike talking on the phone. Even if it is to family and friends. I just can't stand not having that face-to-face type contact, where you can glean so much more from body language, instead of just verbal intonations. I am sure many of us get those phone calls that really annoy us: telemarketers during supper (or just in general), the 'Robo-calls' where when you answer it, there is not one there - when the company is noting what times you answer the phone, so they can sell the list of times you tend to be more available. Let's not forget phone calls that come when you are sleeping, at the time you are supposed to be sleeping. Having kids, a parent dreads those calls. The Wife received a call this morning, that woke up half the house.

Thankfully, it wasn't an emergency, or death int he family, or other major crisis. It was her mom, calling to say she forgot to put the sandwich in my son's lunch pail yesterday, so he did not have one for when I took him to school this morning. True, it was a nice gesture, to let us know before we took him to school but I would have enjoyed the 15 minutes more of sleep before the alarm went off. Everyone hates getting a call like that, when your wake up fully awake thinking the worst thing has happened, and it was something minor but it takes a few minutes to calm yourself back down. UGH!

Stuman texted me yesterday to tell me he had the day off today and that he thought maybe we could get together for a bit. Tuesdays being my busy day, I told him I didn't know, but maybe midday I would have a couple hours. He mentioned that he was low on gas, so didn't want to go far, which to me means he is low on cash until payday, so I have no idea what he is thinking about doing. Even if we were to meet for lunch, that costs money, and I know it's tight enough here that I can't just buy him lunch either. Like him, I don't want to have to drive far either. I told him to call me later this morning and see what idea he was thinking. I don't know if I should look forward to it or not. I should be happy to get some time with my brother, outside of family being around, but we all have our problems, and I'm just tired of hearing about everyone else's. Heh, I guess that is just life though. RM would say that I should be happy someone would want to confide and share with me....(rolls eyes).

So, you can tell how excited I am about today. And it all started with that phone call. Sigh.

PeacE

Something That Sounds Catchy

This past weekend was pretty nice. The Wife and I attended the wedding of a some friends, ate some wonderful food, and enjoyed seeing many people we had seen in awhile. The two younger boys behaved well, though I think it is because they had their noses stuck to the Gameboys they had brought along. Sunday I got out and played softball for the first time in about 4 years. I was worried about my eye/hand coordination being off pretty bad, but I shouldn't have worried. I only played one game of our double-header though, as the ankle  I broke last year started to ache a bit, and I did not want to give any additional stress on it, possibly causing another break. Overall, not a bad weekend.

I have been getting into "The Walking Dead" of late. Season two is out on Netflix, which I started watching, and season three just started on AMC last night. I was hoping to be through all of season 2 in time, but the Wife started getting interested in it, and I can only watch them when she is around, so I still have half a season to finish. I may start season three, and hope to fill in the gaps from season two. It's nice that we have a mutual interest in the show, but can be a bit trying as I am limited to her schedule in order to watch it, and seemingly am always filling her in on info about the people because she recently just started watching.

I decided to skip going to the gym this morning as I am a bit sore from playing softball. It's nice that I am not as sore as I thought I would be (like to the point of hardly walking). Just some back muscles, and the ankle, are all that seem to be achey this morning. I figure an ibuprofen and a nap sound like good plans.

PeacE

It's Starting to Feel Like Fall

The boys have been on 'Fall Break' all this week, and it hasn't been too terrible. Usually there is normal sibling bickering and fighting, but I haven't had to beat any butts. Which is nice. This morning the oldest has band practice, and as we walked outside to leave, I noticed that it was actually cooler outside than inside. It's enough to make one think that the weather here in the Valley has begun to cool down. The radio weather update even said it may be in the mid 80's this weekend. Fall must be arriving.... finally.

The Wife had yesterday off work so she could go with the MIL to take the FIL to his neuro doctor appointment. She goes when she can to help speak with the doc about symptoms, etc that Dad is having, and being in the medical field herself, is able to ask more specific questions about thing than the MIL. Seems FIL doesn't just have Parkinson's. In fact, I learned that there are several different types of Parkinson's, and even some "diseases" that aren't Parkinson's, but display the same effects/symptoms of it. From my understanding, it sounds like Dad has some sort of Parkinson's Plus (and a few other terms) which means it is worse than just plain old Parkinson's. The negative of it, is prognosis gives a lower span of years to love with it. Parkinson's patients will on the average, have a 20+ year span where the disease will steadily progress, but the patient can generally continue regular activities (as their body permits). This Plus version, shortens the life span down to about 10 years, and has advanced onset of symptoms, leaving the patient less able to do anything. In Dad's case, I think it has been about 3 years since he was diagnosed, and there isn't much he is able to do. Communication is pretty much gone (no speech or writing ability). Mobility is pretty much gone, though he can 'shuffle' between rooms with a walker, and someone there to make sure he doesn't fall. Anything further requires a wheelchair. Most days that I sit with him, he pretty much lays on the couch, sleeping, or staring off into the distance. The staring is one of the side effects. It gets pretty depressing, and I try my best to console the Wife, but anyone can see the hardship Parkinson's is putting on her, and moreso on the MIL.

The Wife's best friend's Mom gave a nice gift yesterday. Recently, her husband had passed away. He had some medical issues (I am not sure exactly what) but used some home furniture items that assists people with some mobility issues. The Mom gave the MIL one of those easy chairs that has the lift to assist in getting in/out of the chair. Yesterday, the Wife and I picked it up, took it to the MIL's and set it up. It will much easier now in getting Dad up/down. A big thanks goes out to her for giving it to the In-laws.

A couple of my friends are getting married tomorrow. They have been together for a few years (that's saying it lightly) and are just pretty much legalizing the paperwork process. I am happy to know that we are going to the wedding to celebrate with them. Plus, it's always nice to get together with friends to visit and do some catch up with some we haven't seen for awhile. They are doing a Hawaiian theme, so everything is pretty casual, and they encourage to dress for it. I found a shirt I think that will work fine. And I get to wear shorts instead of some suit & tie!

Still thinking on the changes that will be happening around here on the ol' blog. Joe has come up with a suggestion for the domain name (which doesn't have to match the blog name) and I pretty much agree with it. More than likely it is what I will go with, so that leaves only to figure some catchy, or descriptive, title for the blog. I am still open for suggestions....  With the changes to the blog, it will be time to update the blogroll on the side panel. I was going through them the other day, and realize that there are several now that seem to have gone away. I may remove them, or at a minimum, make it so they are inactive.

So, no major plans today. I may just mellow out and go through and do some clean-up on my ebook library. The son will need to be picked up around noon, then returned to school about 5'ish. I may even go have a beer after that. I don't know. Good part is, it's Friday!

PeacE

Thirsty Thursday

A few years ago, some friends and I called Thursdays 'Thirsty Thursdays' as we always seemed to meet up at the same bar on the same night. Fun times, when I was younger. Last night was my regular pool league night, and I ended up staying longer than I planned on, and thus, today I am feeling a bit hungover. Nothing that some water and a little nap won't fix though.

The Wife is off work today and at the homestead. yee haw.

PeacE

Time for Change

It's coming around to the time of year that my domain name will need to be updated. In truth, I think it is just about a month away. Needless to say, I haven't done much with showing any Boobies, and though I have drank plenty, nothing much about Beer either.

I am thinking it may be time for a change.

Maybe change the name of the blog. Change the domain name. Do a little bit of a remodel. Dump the spammers that hit the comments all the time, and the Google hits for SYBSTD or other breast related picture posts.

Only, I haven't been able to come up with a decent name yet.

Anyone out there have any ideas?

PeacE

Musical Flashbacks

I am on Facebook. I know, I know. Right there I just admitted to how much of a social inept loser I am, but that is totally unrelated to anything else. Well, sort of.

Anyways, on FB I play a few games. Actually, I counted and it is only 6 games. All of which a family member got me involved with, and I sort of like playing them. One of them is called Song Pop, and it is basically a "Name That Tune" type game. I have been playing it a coupe months now, and the siblings, and even RM play. PT wants to play, but he wants me to show him how to do it. I just keep forgetting to show him when I have the time. Either way, this morning I was doing a round through the games, catching up on any that showed that it was my turn. A couple of the plays I have going were of the 80's or of the Love songs categories, and gave me some flashbacks.

Wowsa! I hadn't heard this one in years, though it has pooped up in the game a couple times for me. For some reason it just stuck in my head. Then I got stuck watching music videos for awhile....

... and since some of my friends that live in the northern states have started their complaining, here's an old favorite...

That's it for today. What's some of your faves?

PeacE

Breaking Fall

No, I am not injured. No, I didn't fall either. I admit though, Saturday I ad enough to drink that it would not have surprised me if either happened. It was a good bachelor party.

The kids are out of school this week. It's called Fall Break, but I honestly think it is more to give the teachers a break from the kids, than them an extra week off from school. Today, only two of the boys are home, as the youngest decided to go to Grandma's house instead. I already have one working on the dishes, and the other about to start some things around the house as well. Me, well, I will sit here on the computer and occasionally check their status on completion. I have it easy!

Homecoming went fine for the oldest son, though he won't tell me much about the dance - like who he danced with, etc. Like I would think about teasing him about it..... heh.

Got nothing else for you today.

PeacE

Early Mornings Stink!

Saturday morning and here I am not even 7am. Of course, I have been out of bed for at least an hour, though awake for longer than that. I have no clue as to why I am awake so early today, aside from Rusty (aka Crack Kitty, and Damn Cat) doing some caterwauling right next to my head as soon as he sensed I was awake. Putting him on the floor, and even kicking him when he got back on the bed, didn't help. So here I am, sipping coffee and complaining to you.

The son's Homecoming game was last night. The Daughter and boyfriend came up from Tucson (both alumni) for the weekend. The Wife, two younger sons, and I left about the 3rd quarter and the score was 42-7 in our favor. I heard it was that (or more) at the end of the game. Today the oldest Son has competition this afternoon and the dance tonight. Myself, will be attending the bachelor party of the year. Well, what am I saying. At my age, it may be one of the last ones I attend... unless I am still cool enough when my boys get to the marrying age.

Nothing much else to share. Don't know how well I will be to play ball in the morning, but that is going on too.

PeacE

There's Gonna Be a Party!

Woot! Another Friday is here, and for most of us, that means time to live it up a bit after working all week. Well, I wasn't working all week, but I know one of the two of you readers stood a good chance...

Fridays mean the oldest son will be performing at the football game. This weekend is their homecoming, and typical for our family, seems to be bogged down with events going on. Football game tonight, marching band competition tomorrow (clear across town) followed immediately by the homecoming dance. It is unfortunate that they scheduled this performance seemingly just a few short weeks ago, that they would have checked the school calender for any possible conflict with another school function. It is going to mean a bit of driving for the Wife. I am attending a bachelor party that starts at noon and won't be done until 6'ish (the same time as the dance is starting). There stands a good chance that I will be a bit too inebriated to help with the driving.... All that leads into Sunday, where the Church of Holy Beer and Softball has once again been opened. Followed closely by the watching of the Redskins game.

By Monday, I am going to need a couple days to relax. I ain't as young as I used to be.

PeacE

Sometimes, Technology Sucks

I have been sort of moping the past couple of days. Well, more like, enjoying a bit of self-pity, and a touch of anger at 'The System". I think I am over it, for now at least, but I am sure there will be repeat instances when I am least prepared for it.

Employment during these times seems to be such a hard thing to find. For the past four years, I have not been able to locate a job. Admittedly, I have not been overly-active in looking for one, partially due to the needs that are going on for my family at this time. But I have been searching, looking for something part-time possibly, that I can arrange around the things that need done. With the use of the internet, sending resumes, or completing online applications has become faster than having to physically go to a place to complete them.

A friend of mine gave me a lead Monday, for a part-time position that sort of met the guidelines I was hoping to find in a job. He even told me to get down to the location to talk to the manager, which I promptly did. After speaking to the manager for a short time about the position, job duties, etc, I felt like I stood a good chance of getting the job. Rounding out our short talk, he mentioned I needed to do an online application, which I could complete there in the store. And following that, complete the "Skills Assessment" on the computer. Feeling confident that the position was mine, I complied.

I now know why I have been getting denials for other jobs when I complete online applications. Many, before I even finish the application process. Almost every position I apply for, be it a store, or even a more professional place (ie. mortgage company, etc) that takes a resume as well, they ALMOST ALL require some sort of psychological quiz/skill assessment/questionairre that I inadvertently fail every single, fricking time.

Am I a serial killer? A pedophile? Kleptomaniac, pyromaniac, unstable grass-cutter? No. I am just honest. I don't feel I should have to lie just to get the job. Sure, it would be easier - take the quiz, say that yes I love being interrupted no matter what, no I wouldn't "accidently" take home office supplies, yes co-workers are the best people I want to be around 24/7. I could give them the answers they want, then once the job was mine, ignore all the answers that I gave that I felt didn't apply. Nah. Not me. I would think an employer would want the honest person more so than the one that just gives them the answers they want. Especially when it has nothing to do with the position being applied for.

With technology the way it is today, it seems so many places are requiring an online application/submission rather than actually meeting a person in a one-on-one sitting. Seemingly, all of them require the "Quiz", too. Sure, better use of time. I can see that. But the number of people that the companies are missing that are more than qualified, and above all else, honest.... they sure are missing them. What percentage would that be? 1%? 5%? Part of the 47% or the 51%?

I don't know. I just know I am part of it. After I completed the application and quiz, the manager looked up my information. He mentioned I failed their "skills assessment". I asked how I could fail a psych quiz, that has nothing to do with my skills. I was informed that the Corporate requires that a person "score" a certain point amount per the answers they give, and my answers did not add up to the amount needed. He asked if I would like to take it again. I answered, "No. Why would I need to take it again if I answered them honestly? No answers are going to change. Thank you for your time today." I do admit, the look on his face gave me a bit of a smirk, as it was a surprised one. I guess he expected me to say, oh yes, let me take it again so I can lie to you. (smh).

Honesty. Is it the best policy in this day and age? I don't know. I do know I have to live with the answers I give, and I don't regret being honest - if it costs me a job.

PeacE

Lining Up For Take Off

September ended in a pretty good fashion. The celebration for the Daughter's 21st birthday seemed to stretch on for three days. We did the dinner out on Thursday, She & I went out on Friday, wrapping things up Saturday with a lunch that RM & PT invited us to attend. Not too shabby! Of Course, this weekend the Wife had some continuing education course that was two days long, so I was stuck having to watch the boys all weekend. At least I only have to do that every once in awhile. The Daughter is back in Tucson now, and has a week of classes before starting her first round of clinicals at the VA.

Now that school has been back in session for almost two months, band activities for the oldest son have picked up. He has the Friday football games to attend (even the away games) all month and 3 out of 4 Saturdays are show days - two of which I will miss. One is a wedding for a friend I am attending, so not even sure what we are going to do about that one (as far as arrangements to get him there and picked up after). Maybe once I get the times for his event we can ask RM & PT to help us out....

October brings us our next commercialized holiday, Halloween. If your towns are as bad as mine, you have been seeing decorations and costumes for Halloween since before Labor Day. I think the oldest son is not dressing up this year, as he is getting "too old" (though I am not 100% sure) I have no clue if the Wife has gotten costumes for the two younger boys. Knowing her, she won't think of it until 2 days before they need them.

I should get some things accomplished today. Notice I said should, not would. I have a bag of clothes to drop off at savers, and I need to get to a couple places to look for some new shorts for me. I am down to pretty much my last pair of denim shorts. The Savers store I go to does not have any my size, and though I am not back down to my high school waist size, I ain't totally all fat-boy sizes. Guess you would call it that "comfortably married and well-fed" size. Yeah, I know. I still need to get to the gym more than I have of late.

So, since I have so much to get done today, I am going to watch the rest of "Tombstone" before I make a decision of what to do first.

PeacE